Exercise builds lean body mass (muscle). The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn. Muscles burn calories (14 calories per pound per day vs. fat’s 3 calories per pound per day) very effectively and are ultimately what burn about 60 – 70% of the total calories your body burns over the course of each day.
Exercise reduces stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can be powerful triggers for “emotional eating” and binging.
Exercise improves sleep quality and duration. Poor sleep increases appetite and cravings for junk foods. Good sleep improves energy levels and the likelihood that you will exercise or move more.
Exercise directly boosts metabolism. Moderate to vigorous exercise provides a transient (2-5 hours) increase in calorie-burning potential (This is known as “after burn”).
Exercise improves the activity of brain cells involved in appetite regulation.
Exercise improves the release of appetite suppressive hormones in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain’s sensitivity to them.
