Abstract
A single bout of exercise caused significant decrease in feeling of hunger. This suppression of appetite is referred to as “exercise-induced anorexia”. In addition, there is growing evidence that the effects of odor stimulation with grapefruit essential oil on changes in appetite. Therefore, the combined effects of exercise-induced anorexia and grapefruit essential oil on appetite suppression may further suppress appetite. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of grapefruit essential oil on exercise-induced anorexia. Ten healthy men took part in two experimental sessions (grapefruit essential oil aromatization (GA) and no aromatization (NA)) at least 7 days apart. The order of the two sessions was randomized across subjects. Subjects took the exercise on an ergometer at 75 % maximum heart rate for 30 min. During the study period, ratings of subjective feelings of hunger were reported on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). A test meal was presented after exercise. No significant differences ware observed in VAS and energy intake between GA and NA sessions. In conclusion, exercise-induced anorexia was not further suppressed by grapefruit essential oil stimulation.
