Does ‘fasted’ cardio burn body fat? Here’s what the science says
What the science really says about exercising before breakfast
- Fasted exercise, often promoted for fat loss, involves working out before breakfast.
- While short-term studies show increased fat burning during fasted aerobic exercise, long-term research indicates no significant difference in overall body fat loss compared to exercising after eating.
- The body appears to compensate for initial fat burning, and limited evidence suggests no impact on muscle strength or body composition for resistance training.
- Fasted exercise can lead to increased hunger, poor food choices, or discomfort for some individuals, though others report positive experiences.
- Ultimately, the evidence does not support the superiority of fasted exercise for weight loss or performance; the most crucial factor is simply engaging in physical activity.