Glycaemic index of meals affects appetite sensation but not energy balance in active males

Background

Foods with low glycaemic index (LGI) are reported to suppress appetite mainly in overweight population but have not been investigated in athletic adults.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of LGI and high GI (HGI) meals over a day on subsequent subjective appetite sensation, energy intake, energy expenditure, energy balance and resting metabolic rate in physically active males.

Methods

This cross-sectional randomized crossover study included 14 active males (mean ± SD; age 34.5 ± 8.9 years, body mass index 22.8 ± 2.1 kg m^?2) to consume LGI and HGI meals on two separate days. On each trial day, participants consumed a breakfast in the laboratory and then left with a packed lunch, dinner and snacks. Appetite scores, energy intake and expenditure were assessed.

Results

The area under the curve for appetite scores of the HGI trial was significantly smaller than that of the LGI trial during the laboratory period (p = 0.027) and throughout the day (p = 0.009). No significant differences in energy intake, energy expenditure, energy balance and resting metabolic rate were found between groups, between the trial days and between the corresponding post-trial days.

Conclusions

These results show that frequent ingestion of the HGI meals, contrary to the previous reports, suppresses appetite more than that of LGI meals, but did not affect energy balance in physically active normal-weight males.