# Metabolism, appetite, and physical activity in adolescents

> **NIH NIH K01** · CHILDREN'S MERCY HOSP (KANSAS CITY, MO) · 2020 · $144,854

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Childhood obesity is the most serious public health problem of the 21st century, given the prevalence,
global reach, and widespread health, economic, and social consequences. While weight gain at the most basic
level is due to a chronic energy surplus, there are a host of influences that act on the energy balance system
that remain largely unknown. Thus, there is a critical need to identify previously unexamined factors that may
influence the energy balance system in order to develop effective interventions for prevention and treatment.
Our long-term goal is to quantify the dynamic relationships between various physiological and psychological
components of the energy balance system. Our short-term goal is to examine linkages between physical
activity, appetite control, and energy metabolism in adolescents. The status quo as it relates to appetite control
is that body weight status and related peripheral signals are a key regulator of energy intake. In contrast to
body weight playing a primary role in energy regulation, our working hypothesis is that high levels of regular
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) result in a metabolic phenotype consisting of enhanced
metabolic function and proper regulation of appetite, which prevents the development of obesity. We have
reported that adults with low levels of MVPA have dysregulated appetite control, evidenced by higher levels of
energy intake and elevated levels of dietary disinhibition. Additionally, primary mentor Thyfault has observed
that rats with low fitness possess dysregulated control of appetite and reduced hepatic fat oxidation compared
to rats with high fitness. Based on these findings in adults and rodents, in addition to supportive work by
others, we hypothesize that low levels of MVPA create a metabolic phenotype, leading to dysregulated
appetite control which predisposes individuals to weight gain. To test this hypothesis we will perform two
studies focused on the links between physical activity and appetite. For Study 1, we will assess metabolic
function and appetite control in male and female adolescents stratified by bodyweight (normal vs
overweight/obese) and physical activity (sedentary vs. active) using a 2 x 2 cross-sectional study design
(N=40). For Study 2, we will examine the influence of MVPA on the same outcomes by randomly assigning
sedentary overweight/obese adolescents (N=44) to either a structured-exercise group or no treatment control
for three months. The specific aims of the proposed studies are: 1) To examine the association between
physical activity and appetite control in adolescents, with metabolic function serving as a mediator; and, 2) To
test if increased physical activity through an exercise intervention influences metabolic function and appetite
control. At the completion of the proposed studies, it is our expectation that we will have described the
independent effects of physical activity and body weight on energy metabolis...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9982947
- **Project number:** 5K01DK119545-02
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S MERCY HOSP (KANSAS CITY, MO)
- **Principal Investigator:** Robin P. Shook
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $144,854
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9982947

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9982947, Metabolism, appetite, and physical activity in adolescents (5K01DK119545-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9982947. Licensed CC0.

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