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Mechanisms responsible for compensatory eating behaviours following cold water immersion
Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Tom Cullen
University of Registration: Coventry University
BBSRC Research Themes: Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health)
Project Outline
The beneficial claims of cold-water immersion (CWI) are prolific and participation in CWI therapy has become more popular, as regular exposure may reduce exercise induced muscle damage, strengthen the immune system and improve overall health and wellbeing. Allan et al (2022) comment that researchers should look to further establish the importance of cooling on health, wellness, and well-being.
Despite ongoing research supporting the health benefits of CWI, no studies have determined or characterised the effects of CWI on appetite and energy intake. CWI is frequently used to aid the recovery process after strenuous exercise or sport which could be leading to compensatory overeating. Appetite may be stimulated after exposure to cold-water, as thermoregulation requires energy, which requires fuel.
Recent unpublished findings from our laboratory (Grigg et al) has found that ad-libitum food intake was significantly increased after 30 minutes of cold (16 °C) water immersion compared to thermoneutral water or ambient air (26 °C). This was despite no change in self-reported appetite and the exact mechanisms for this phenomenon are yet to be elucidated. Reed et al (2023) comment that while it is evident the use of CWI continues to grow in popularity, the mechanisms which contribute to these purported physiological and psychological outcomes remain largely unexplored.
Aim
Previous work from Professor Broom has demonstrated the importance of gut peptide hormones in other states of energy demand, such as during and following physical activity and exercise. As such, the primary aim of the programme of research will be to investigate the role of gut peptide hormones in the regulation of food intake following cold exposure.
A series of randomised controlled trials is proposed to examine different cold water exposures that vary in both duration, temperature and frequency in both males and females. Valid and reliable measures of body composition (using DEXA), core and skin temperature (using thermistors), appetite (using VAS), energy intake (using homogenous meals) and food preference (using the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire) will be implemented.
The programme of research requires considerable biochemistry in the measurement of gut peptide hormones including Ghrelin, PYY, GLP-1 and CCK and other blood markers such as glucose, insulin and lipids.
The project therefore seeks to delineate the compensatory mechanisms of energy metabolism underpinning the relationship between energy intake and energy expenditure in humans. This programme of research as part of the PhD will further our understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which environmental stressors regulate our appetite and energy intake.
References
Allan, R. et al. (2022). Cold for centuries: a brief history of cryotherapies to improve health, injury and post-exercise recovery. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 122, 1153–1162.
Grigg, M. et al. (unpublished findings). Effects of cold-water immersion on energy expenditure, ad-libitum energy intake and appetite in healthy adults. Submitted to Appetite. Draft manuscript available on request email – ad5173@coventry.ac.ukLink opens in a new window
Reed, E. et al. (2023). Cardiovascular and mood responses to an acute bout of cold water immersion. Journal of Thermal Biology,118, 103727.
