Exercise on empty stomach to burn twice more fat
People can have better control over their blood sugar levels by changing the timing of when they eat and exercise, according to a study. This may help plan lifestyle interventions to counter diabetes and reduce body weight.
The researchers, including those from the University of Bath in the UK, said that people who exercised before breakfast burned double the amount of fat than those who exercised after the morning meal.
The results of the study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, revealed that exercising in the overnight fasting state could increase the health benefits of exercise for individuals, without changing the intensity, duration, or perception of their effort.
The researchers conducted a six-week study involving 30 male participants classified either as obese or overweight, and compared the results from
WHEN PEOPLE HAVE FASTED OVERNIGHT, THEY CAN USE MORE OF THE FAT STORED IN MUSCLES AND TISSUES AS FUEL WHILE EXERCISING
two groups — those who ate breakfast before exercise, and those who ate after.
The study also involved a control group of participants who underwent no lifestyle changes.
The increased fat use is due to lower insulin levels during exercise when people have fasted overnight, indicating that they can use more of the fat from tissue and muscles as fuel, the researchers said.
While the six-week study did not lead to any significant weight loss in the participants, the researchers added that it did have “profound and positive” effects on their health since their bodies were better able to respond to insulin, keeping blood sugar levels under control, and potentially lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
“Our results suggest that changing the timing of when you eat in relation to when you exercise can bring about changes to your overall health,” said co-author of the study Javier Gonzalez.
According to the researchers, the muscles from those who exercised before breakfast showed more increase in key proteins, specifically those involved in transporting glucose from the bloodstream to the muscles.
However, the researchers noted that the short-term study involved only men, and they look to explore the longerterm effects of this type of exercise, and whether women benefit in the same way as men.