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Empty Stomach and Fat Burn

soulfulsally
soulfulsally Posts: 326
edited January 5 in Health and Weight Loss
So I was browsing through Pubmed last night and came across a study that showed its participants burned more fat doing cardio on an empty stomach. Maybe this is a silly question, but do you think this also applies to everyday activities? Like, would skipping breakfast help burn more fat until lunchtime, even though you don't do cardio during that time? And could this be why some people swear by intermittent fasting for increased fat loss?

Replies

  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Really depends on the calories in vs out.

    Basically, if I spend 500 calories before lunch and didn't eat, it will get that from fat, but then when I eat lunch, I might be hungrier and thus eat more, the extra being stored in fat.

    If I eat breakfast, I am still burning 500 by lunch, but now there is some immediate energy available, so it doesn't burn as much fat. But then lunch comes by and I do not eat as much as I would have if I skipped breakfast.

    So long as the number of calories eaten in the day stays the same, it does not matter.

    IF is used as a tool to aid people in preventing over eating. Its effects on fat loss and muscle gain/retention besides the caloric deficit is minor.
  • nanainkent
    nanainkent Posts: 350 Member
    again, using my firefighters friend for advice: He (and they cause they work out together) told me to do cardio first thing in the morning with nothing in my stomach but water. So sounds like the article is right.
  • browncurlz3
    browncurlz3 Posts: 48
    I never skip breakfast. Ever.

    Unless I am going for a run IMMEDIATELY upon waking (which is how I most enjoy runs, actually).

    Even something light in the morning, something as simple as a handful of fruit or a little ounce of cheese and a few multigrain crackers (protein and carb mix) is good enough.

    I eat half a NOGII bar, drive an hour to the gym (near my work), then eat the other half afterwards. It's something on my tummy, but nothing that interferes with my performance.

    It's all about your body's needs, though. So try something, and if it doesn't work, try something else. (Except for "not eating". Don't do that...lol)
  • hollywoodguy99
    hollywoodguy99 Posts: 25 Member
    This article on builtlean.com covers the question in full.

    http://www.builtlean.com/2012/05/29/cardio-empty-stomach/

    The short answer is you may burn fat a little more, but your exercise may be less intense counter-acting any potential benefits. Also fate burn may suffer more through out the day. Listen to your own body and what makes you happy.

    builtlean.com is a great source of info on nutrition and exercise.
  • ImperfectedBeauty
    ImperfectedBeauty Posts: 124 Member
    I think its personal choice, some aren't morning people and so they would do better with some breakfast and a later workout, where as some enjoy just getting up and going. I think it depends how energetic you are in the morning, if your too tired and lethargic you may want to eat some breakfast for energy before working out.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    This article on builtlean.com covers the question in full.

    http://www.builtlean.com/2012/05/29/cardio-empty-stomach/

    The short answer is you may burn fat a little more, but your exercise may be less intense counter-acting any potential benefits. Also fate burn may suffer more through out the day. Listen to your own body and what makes you happy.

    builtlean.com is a great source of info on nutrition and exercise.

    Burning your fate won't change it. The All-Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Don't know about the science or research behind any of this but in my personal opinion - it's putting way too much thought into weight loss. Set a sensible calorie goal, stay within that goal, eat healthy, get some exercise and you'll get results. No sense in guessing what may or may not be tricking your body into releasing fat stores. Keep it simple and straight forward. :flowerforyou:
  • soulfulsally
    soulfulsally Posts: 326
    Thanks for your thoughts. Probably doesn't matter much one way or another in the long haul, just curious if there fasted cardio could provide an edge. From what the Built Lean article says, doesn't look that way.
This discussion has been closed.

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