Interval training or burst training is extremely popular as evidence continues to show that working out for only 4 to 7 minutes reaps benefits just as well as longer, less intense sessions. A new study shows these short exercise bursts may also decrease appetite.

Interval training or burst training is extremely popular as evidence continues to show that working out for only 4 to 7 minutes combined with short recovery periods reaps benefits just as well as longer, less intense sessions.

Besides improving strength and endurance as well as health issues such as high blood pressure, depression, and insulin resistance, short exercise bursts may also decrease appetite according to another recent study from Australia.

17 overweight young men performed various levels and kinds of activity for 30 minutes on 4 days of the week. Activities ranged from resting to very intense interval training during which short periods of extreme exertion were alternated with 4 times longer periods of gentle movements.

About an hour after each session, they were offered porridge. When the men did interval training, they ate up to 170 calories less than those who moderately biked. After the most intense workout, the appetite-suppressing effects continued well into the next day.

As the study’s lead author Aaron Sim explained and blood tests confirmed, the intense exercise lowered the hormone ghrelin while raising blood lactate and glucose levels – all of which work to curb hunger.

Plus, the men enjoyed exercising just as much during the interval workouts.