In order to reduce body fat the following two things are recommended: physical activity and balanced nutrition (in most cases it means eating less).

New British research showed that physical activity, especially aerobic, decreases appetite. Eleven students were tested at three different occasions. At the first, they’ve spent 60 min. on the treadmill (aerobic) and afterward rested for seven hours. At the second, the students lifted weights (anaerobic) for 90 min. and rested for 6.5 hours. And at the third, no physical activity was done. In each occasion the students received two meals.

The students reported their hunger level and scientists measured levels of two appetite hormones (ghrelin, hormone that stimulates appetite; YY-peptide, which depresses appetite). The results revealed that after the treadmill ghrelin level decreased and YY-peptide level increased. After weight lifting ghrelin level decreased and YY-peptide level wasn’t changed. Both activities depressed hunger, but aerobic (treadmill) was more efficient in doing so.

The research was published in American Physiology Association e-journal.

P.S.: The first time I saw this research I wasn’t sure whether I should publish it, since only 11 students participated. But since my personal experience reassures these results and publishing it won’t do any harm I’ve decided to do it.