Novel Role of Exercise Timing in Obesity

Obesity before adulthood is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic disease as well as musculoskeletal and psychosocial complications. Until recently, the two major components of energy balance (i.e. energy expenditure and intake) were thought to act independently on body weight, but a growing body of knowledge in the field of human physiology supports the theory that exercise and nutrition interact (EXiNU). Complementary lifestyle behaviours [e.g. sedentariness and sleep] can also influence energy balance, all acting synergistically on energy balance (EXiNU+). Dr. Mathieu's innovative work recently revealed that the modulation of EX Timing relative to lunch can significantly improve the choice of healthier foods and lower total (-10%) and lipid (-25%) energy intake without further nutritional compensation during the rest of the day.

This unique research project focuses specifically on understanding how EX Timing can regulate energy balance, filling a major gap in the current literature. The strengths and novelty of the current proposal are that: 1) Youth of both sexes and of different body weight status will be investigated; 2) A varied profile of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones as well as the cortical response to taste and smell will be studied to better understand food choices; 3) Sleep and sedentary behaviours will be evaluated with EX and nutrition to better assess the global influence of EX Timing on energy balance; 4) Cardiometabolic indicators linked to obesity will be monitored.

Primary objective : To identify the optimal EX Timing that maximizes the short-term anorexigenic effect of EX (i.e. decrease in energy intake at the meal following the EX session) in each group of teenagers.

Hypothesis: EX immediately before a meal (EX-->MEAL) will be the most efficient scenario, and will show a larger impact on individuals with obesity and in males.

Secondary objective #1 : To identify the optimal EX Timing that maximizes the medium-term anorexigenic effect of EX (i.e. caloric reduction during the 24 hours following the lunch) in each group of teenagers.

Hypothesis: EX immediately before a meal (EX-->MEAL) will be less efficient with time. A reduced impact on Day 1 (i.e. reduction in energy intake less important between EX and control conditions) and the absence of impact on Day 2 (similar energy intake between 4 conditions) are expected.

Secondary objective #2 : To elucidate the hormonal and chemosensory response associated with the anorexigenic effect of EX Timing.

Hypothesis: EX-->MEAL will show a maximal change in anorexigenic hormones (e.g. lowest ghrelin and highest leptin levels), and will maximally alter the cortical chemosensory processing to smell and taste. A dose-response effect is expected: the change in anorexigenic hormones being inversely proportional to the EX-meal delay.

Secondary objective #3 : Understand how complementary lifestyle factors are influenced by EX Timing and how these can induce a negative energy balance. Hypothesis: It is speculated that the EX Timing condition having the largest impact on nutrition will also reduce sedentary habits and improve sleep behaviours. Those lifestyle habits need to be monitored to control for/explore their moderating effects.

Secondary objective #4 : Monitor cardiometabolic parameters following each EX Timing scenario.

Hypothesis: The EX→Meal scenario would have larger effects on blood pressure and lipid profiles given its larger impact on energy intake. The greatest effects will be seen on participants with a poor profile (high blood pressure and lipids levels).

This project will involve 4 meetings over 4 consecutive weeks at LAPS, a laboratory equipped to meet the needs of the study [Physical Activity and Health Laboratory (FCI and don Molson) at CEPSUM].

Methods : The preliminary visit (approximately 4 hours) will include standardized questionnaires on physical activity and nutrition, various anthropometric tests (percentage of fat and body mass using DXA, height and waist circumference), an assessment of their resting metabolism (indirect calorimetry), a standardized physical test (VO2max with indirect calorimetry) as well as a culinary exposure the meals that will be served to them. During the following week (7 days), there will be a monitoring of their lifestyle (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, etc.), which involves wearing an accelerometer and three food reminders by a nutritionist. Three experimental tours (approximately 5 hours / visit) will follow. These meetings present different temporal conditions in which the exercise will be immediately followed by taste and odor tests as well as blood samples. Participants will take part, in a randomized fashion, in 3 experimental conditions, all preceded by a standard breakfast served at 8 am. Condition 1: active-early (30 min at 70% VO2max) at 9 a.m., condition 2: active-late (30 min at 70% VO2max) at 11 a.m., condition 3: sedentary (control condition) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Their energy intake and food choices will be assessed at 12 noon and during the 48 hours following each experimental visit, using validated lunch boxes. Measurements of appetite, taste [electroencephalogram (EEG) + gustometer] and smell (EEG + olfactometer) as well as blood tests measuring appetite hormones (ghrelin, oxytomodulin, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 and Peptide YY-36) will be carried out at each experimental visit.

Expected outcomes : Currently, exercise periods in schools, workplaces, and free time are set randomly rather than scientifically scheduled. This is potentially suboptimal and not aligned with other medical treatments (e.g. medication) where timing is an essential component of the treatment regimen. Outcomes of this project on EX Timing will be important to improve EX interventions in order to enhance positive outcomes from each minute of exercise performed.

Inclusion criteria

Study participants :

• must be 12-17 years old to ensure proper compliance with the study protocol and similar daily routines (i.e. attend high school);
• have normal weight or obesity according to World Health Organisation criteria

Exclusion criteria

Individuals will be excluded if they :

• follow a specific diet or have food allergies;
• have an eating disorder (e.g. anorexia or bulimia);
• have a metabolic disease, are taking supplements or use medication that could influence the study results (e.g. insulin, lipid lowering drugs, corticosteroids);
• are vegetarian or vegan, who cannot eat our validated meals which contain protein from animal sources;
• have any intestinal disorders;
• have physical limitations that restrict them from participating in our EX program;
• are involved in competitive sports;
• are not able to read or speak either French or English;
• currently has COVID-19 or do not agree to respect sanitary measures during the visits; or,
• smoke or use drugs.