It's fairly well known that exercise can reduce hunger, which is one of the reasons that it's a mainstay of any weight loss program (in addition to building fitness and burning calories, of course). But a recent study questions that long held belief.

When researchers compared postmenopausal women in an exercise study, those who were lean did experience a drop in hunger when they exercised. But those who were obese did not. Researchers found that obese women had a higher level of a hormone called leptin in their blood, and leptin plays a role in hunger. In obese women, leptin levels did drop during moderate exercise, but not during high intensity workouts.

This is a small study, but the findings are interesting. Even if exercise doesn't reduce hunger in the obese, the many benefits of exercise make it essential to good health. But if you're obese and trying to lose weight, it might be helpful to know this information and to prepare for it as part of your diet plan.