Food Choice, Excessive Exercise and POMC Neurons

Many of us, in our country, are concerned with our health and our appearance as evidenced by various eating plans, influx of super foods, fitness aids and gym memberships in this billion dollar industry. Professional athletes are no exception as their degree of physical fitness is one important variable when it comes to their contracts. For example, Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, is noted for his obsession with his dietary and workout strategies. Brady BMI’s index differs from his former tight end teammate Rob Gronkowski. The BMI difference for these two players has to do with their NFL positions, motivation, dietary and workout plans. Likewise, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors has a different BMI index compared to teammate DeMarcus Cousins. Likely, their workouts, their player positions, motivation, and diets are also BMI related. Note, these professional athletes are motivated, knowledgeable, and consistent, with their health related behaviors and have healthy BMI numbers. They know how to manage their weight through diet, exercise and have healthy POMC neurons.

Unfortunately, regular folks do not have successful BMI numbers as a result of their health related choices. Many go on and go off and experiment with numerous diets and join various exercise facilities along with the many available workouts. What everyone realizes, at some point or the other, is that it’s not easy when it comes to consistency with diet and exercise. Some people that start an exercise program often over eat and gain weight. That can be troubling because many of us believe that regular exercise and diet is needed to regulate weight. There are many variables within different eating patterns and different exercise programs that effect one’s BMI range.

Another variable to consider, for regular folks, when it comes to exercise and eating behavior was found in the January 27, 2019 addition of Time entitled “Outrunning Hunger.” Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and other institutions conducted a study evaluating the melanocortin circuit [a brain network in the hypothalamus] related to metabolism change and how energy expenditure with exercise effects appetite strength.

Within the melanocortin circuit, there are two types of neurons. The neuropeptide Y [NPY] receptor cells relay signals encouraging food seeking. The other neuron, the pro--opiomelanocortin [POMC] cell receptors reduces food seeking. In other words the POMC neurons, if not healthy, are a significant health concern because they are found in morbidly obese humans.

In this particular study, healthy adult male mice either ran on small treadmills or were placed on an unmoving treadmill. The running mice [mice and humans have similar neuronal brain circuitry] spent 60 minutes of fast intense running broken up into three 20 minute blocks. Briefly the findings: the runners POMC neurons were much more active [less interested in food] than the idle mice even after a single work out for up to 48 hours. These mice also had less active [food seeking] NPY neurons although their NPY [food seeking] activity rebounded after about six hours. These mice also ate less after exercise than had been their habit before.

So perhaps, after an intense energy expenditure workout, one’s active POMC neurons [less interest in food] helps explain one’s appetite and /or eating behavior. According to one researcher, “continued intense training might remodel an individual’s neuronal circuitry.” If so, intense physical training might greatly assist with long-term weight management. On the other hand, increased food seeking behavior after intense exercise, suggests an imbalance in one’s melanocortin system and body weight regulation. If so, that imbalance might interfere with successful weight loss and/or BMI numbers. In essence, one important variable for good health might simply be found in your neuronal circuitry. Like everything else, it’s in your brain. Good luck with your central melanocortin system. In any event, keep moving.

PS

I have healthy POMC neurons. During ultra running events, I have little interest in food during and after each event. I have to think about eating at aid stations during these competitions.