Fasted Cardio: Is It Really Effective for Weight Loss or Does It Drain Your Energy?

Imagine it's 6 AM on a Saturday morning, and Big Back Bob's alarm abruptly interrupts his sleep, startling him awake. Groggy, tired, and feeling hungry, he heads to the kitchen, craving a frosted bagel. But wait! He remembers Skinny Steve from work talking about something called 'fasted cardio.' According to Steve, it involves doing cardio exercises on an empty stomach. Intrigued, Big Back Bob decides to give it a try.

Big Back Bob has been struggling with his weight recently. Three years ago, when he was dating Fit Fiona, he was in great shape. However, since then, he has become less active and gained some weight. Inspired by Skinny Steve's weight loss success with fasted cardio, Big Bob decides to go for a morning jog without eating anything.

Initially, Big Back Bob feels okay, but soon, he experiences fatigue and discomfort. He realizes that skipping breakfast before jogging has left him with low energy levels. Consuming a small amount of carbohydrates before exercise could have provided immediate energy for a better workout. Instead, his body had to rely on stored glycogen, leading to early exhaustion.

Continuing his jog, Big Back Bob's body starts using liver glycogen stores for energy, leading to muscle breakdown. Despite his determination, this process reduces his muscle mass.

After two weeks of fasted cardio, Big Back Bob checks his weight and finds only a minimal difference. Studies suggest that exercising in a fasted state may promote slight weight loss, but the difference is not significant. Some studies even contradict this finding. However, research consistently shows that eating before exercise allows for longer workouts and more calories burned. For instance, cyclists who consumed carbs before a test exercise were able to exercise for an extra hour, burning significantly more calories. 

Skinny Steve lost weight with fasted cardio as a calorie reduction tool, similar to intermittent fasting. His overall calorie intake is reduced, contributing to weight loss when combined with a consistent exercise routine. After reflecting on his experience with fasted cardio Big Back Bob decides to move on and try something different and is now curious about trying the Paleo Diet.

The takeaway from Skinny Steve and Big Back Bobs fitness journeys lies in consistency. Regardless of the exercise method, regular and consistent workouts lead to results. While fasted cardio may work for some, it's essential to find an exercise routine that suits individual preferences and goals. 

If you find it challenging to maintain a healthy diet or encounter difficulties with your workout routine, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional.

Emmanuel Ofori - eMotivates

Your friendly neighborhood fitness expert