Does Working Out on an Empty Stomach Really Burn More Fat?

A reoccurring question my clients seem to ask me is if they would burn more fat by working out on an empty stomach as opposed to working out after a meal. When your stomach is empty, your body has no choice but to break down body tissues (mostly fat) to use as energy. Knowing this, the average dieter looking to gain an edge and speed up the weight-loss process will apply this knowledge to their workouts by exercising on an empty stomach. At first glance, it seems like a plausible strategy but when you really look at the entire scope of what's going on it's not so simple. There are far more factors to consider before coming to a conclusion.

Burning fat is good. I mean, that is the goal right? What do you think happens when you eat after your workout? Those calories aren't going to just disappear because calories that are not burned get stored as fat. Let's flip the scenario and say you work out after eating. This will burn those calories that you've just ingested. As far as efficiency, workouts following meals are just as efficient as working out on an empty stomach. Keep in mind that's only without considering the effects of doing intense work on an empty stomach. When you factor in the amount of work you will be able to do at the gym with available energy in your system as opposed to your system being depleted, it's obvious that you will be able to work out harder and longer if you work out after eating.

Working out on an empty stomach isn't just less efficient it's also dangerous. Imagine running hard on the treadmill and either getting dizzy and falling down or blacking out, nobody wants any part of that scenario. If you hurt yourself you will not be able to work out, and in fact you will probably spend a lot more time on your butt healing instead of in the gym burning calories.

Make sure you do not work out on an empty stomach so you can stay safe, stay healthy, and stay active.