Influence of physical activity on the thermic effect of food in young men.

Oxygen consumption and heart rate of young fasting men were examined at rest and during 2 h following food intake (400 or 1,200 kcal mixed or 1,200 kcal high-protein diet). In a series of experiments, this procedure was carried out after complete recovery from moderate exercise (10 min at 50% maximal aerobic power) performed immediately after the meal. The calorigenic effect of food was exhibited by all subjects. The magnitude of the postprandial rise in oxygen consumption was related to the caloric content of food, being similar after mixed and protein-rich diets. Moderate exercise after meals augmented dietary thermogenesis.