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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

12

NYCU

National-Level
Research Center

date from 2022

20

NYCU

University-Level
Research Centers

date from 2022

28

NYCU

College-Level
Research Centers

date from 2022

167

NYCU

Total Awarded Students
Participating in Competitions

date from 2022

379

NYCU

Number of Academic Papers
Published by Students or Exhibition
Activities Organized by Students

date from 2022

50+

NYCU

Number of International
Collaborations on Academic
Research Projects

date from 2022

243

NYCU

Number of Students Attending
International Conference

date from 2022

  • Update Date:2024-07-09
  • Units:Office of International Promotion and Outreach
Protein Supplementation After Exercise Aids Weight Loss: NYCU Study Finds Appetite Control and Muscle Strength Benefits
Protein Supplementation After Exercise Aids Weight Loss: NYCU Study Finds Appetite Control and Muscle Strength Benefits
(Photo from Getty Images)
 
Translated by Hsuchuan
Edited by Chance Lai

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Many people aim to lose weight through exercise but sometimes consume more calories post-workout. A research team from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) found that consuming high-protein foods within 30 minutes of exercise can suppress appetite, slow muscle degradation, and improve cardiovascular metabolism. The study results were published in the 273rd issue of the scientific journal "Physiology & Behavior" earlier this year.

The Importance of Protein Intake and Exercise for Weight Control in Middle-Age

Professor Chiao-Nan Chen from the Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology at NYCU, along with his research team, conducted a study on middle-aged obese individuals with an average age of nearly 60. The participants underwent three months of high-intensity interval spinning exercises.

The study found that although appetite significantly increased after exercise, consuming a high-protein drink within 30 minutes post-exercise reduced hunger and decreased the likelihood of late-night snacking. The research team also found that combining exercise with a high-protein diet can improve cardiovascular risk factors and prevent sarcopenia in middle-aged obese individuals.

During the three-month study, participants who followed a high-protein diet in addition to exercising showed significant reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides, decreased fat mass, improved insulin sensitivity, better glucose tolerance, and reduced inflammation. Moreover, muscle strength and exercise capacity were enhanced.

Professor Chiao-Nan Chen stated that previous data suggests a daily protein intake of 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to maintain muscle mass, and the research team used this as the dietary target for the experimental group.
 



"Big heart, fat body" is a common issue among middle-aged and older adults, often leading to cardiovascular diseases. Reduced physical activity further accelerates muscle loss. The research findings provide valuable insights for middle-aged and older obese individuals and offer new strategies and approaches for obesity management.

However, Professor Chiao-Nan Chen also cautioned that the study validates the physiological performance of high-protein diets in middle-aged and older populations, but it does not imply that solely consuming a high-protein diet is a good weight management method. Exercise remains fundamental; managing physical fitness (activity capacity) and the risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is more crucial than focusing solely on weight.

The cross-university research team includes Professor Kuei-Yu Chien (right) from the Graduate Institute of Sports Science at National Taiwan Sport University, Professor Chiao-Nan Chen (center) from the Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology at NYCU, and Dr. Kuo-Chen Hsu (left).
The cross-university research team includes Professor Kuei-Yu Chien (right) from the Graduate Institute of Sports Science at National Taiwan Sport University, Professor Chiao-Nan Chen (center) from the Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology at NYCU, and Dr. Kuo-Chen Hsu (left).
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