Physiological and Neurocognitive Pathways Involved in the Nutritional Adaptation to Physical Exercise and Energy Deficits

David Thivel

Clermont-Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France

While energy intake and energy expenditure have long been studied independently, the alarming progression of obesity has led to a more integrative approach of energy balance considering their potential interactions. Since Mayer and Edholm in the fifties who first questioned the relationship between daily energy expenditure and daily energy intake, there has been a growing interest to better understand how daily activities (physical activities and sedentary behaviors) can alter food intake and appetite, and to identify the potential involved mechanisms. We will first review and summarize the available results regarding the effect of physical exercise on energy intake and appetite control, trying to identify the physiological and neurocognitive signals and pathways involved. Although most of the available evidence concerns acute exercise, we will also discuss the nutritional adaptations to chronic physical activity. Secondly, we will question whether these pathways and nutritional responses are specific to exercise, or if similar adaptations are observed in response to iso-caloric energy deficits induced by dietary restrictions. Overall, this presentation will give an overview of the compensatory mechanisms to exercise and physical activity that control and determine our energy balance.

Prof. David Thivel

Clermont Auvergne University

David Thivel (PhD, HDR) is Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology and Human Nutrition at Clermont-Auvergne University in France. He completed a PhD at the National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) in Clermont-Ferrand University and in the Laboratory of Exercise Physiology (BAPS) in Clermont-Ferrand where he examined the effects of acute exercises on the control of energy intake and appetite in adolescents with obesity. He then held two post-doctoral positions, the first one at the NY Obesity Nutrition Research Center in Columbia University, USA, and another one at the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Institute of Ottawa in Canada. David’s main research focuses on the metabolic and nutritional responses to energy deficits induced either by exercise and/or dietary restriction, in both children and adults with obesity. He is currently leading the research program "Physiological and Nutritional Adaptations to Energy Deficits" at the AME2P Laboratory, CRNH Auvergne in France. Dr. David Thivel is also Vice-President of the Obesity Specialized Center Caloris and of the European Childhood Obesity Group.