Why You Should Run More: One Hour On Treadmill Boosts Metabolism For Two Days, Says Study

A study published in the journal Molecular Metabolism says that workout session consisting of three 20-minute treadmill runs may activate neurons that are essential regulators of blood glucose levels and energy balance as well as influence metabolism for up to two days, according to a study over mice, reports Financial Express.

The results of the study show that a single bout of exercise for mice could boost the activity of energy-burning neurons and inhibit the counterpart one for up to two days and those changes can last longer with more training.

“Exercising even once in a semi-intense manner can reap benefits that can last for days, in particular concerning glucose metabolism,” Kevin Williams, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas Southwestern was quoted saying.

A workout consisting of three 20-minute treadmill runs caused a decrease in appetite that lasted up to six hours.

The research team measured the effects of short- and long-term exercise on two types of neurons that comprise the melanocortin brain circuit since both humans and mice have this circuit.

One of the neuron types is associated with reduced appetite, lower blood glucose levels, and higher energy burning when activated while the other type increases appetite and diminishes metabolism when activated.

The study also provides an avenue to research potential treatments to improve glucose metabolism in patients with conditions such as diabetes.