The trend of hitting the gym before breakfast has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts hoping to torch more fat. But experts caution that while fasted exercise encourages the body to use fat as fuel, it doesn’t necessarily lead to greater long-term fat loss.
Dr Asiya Maula, general health practitioner at The Health Suite, explained to GB News:
“Exercising in a fasted state can increase fat oxidation during the session because insulin is lower and the body is more likely to use fat as fuel. But that doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose more body fat overall — your total calorie balance across the day still matters most.”
Fasted workouts aren’t suitable for everyone. People prone to low blood sugar, diabetes, fainting, or those on glucose-lowering medication may be at risk of hypoglycaemia. Individuals with thyroid issues, particularly uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, should also approach fasted training with caution.
Research shows that while fasted exercise may burn a higher proportion of fat during the session, overall fat loss over weeks and months is comparable to fed workouts, as the body compensates in other ways, such as increased appetite or reduced activity later in the day.
Dr Maula adds that fasted training can still be effective for some, especially for lighter morning activities like walks or gentle jogs. However, for more intense sessions — such as interval training, long runs, or heavy lifting — having fuel beforehand generally supports better performance and consistency, which are key drivers of long-term fat loss.
Read the complete article on GB News.