Is An Empty Stomach Workout Good Or Bad

If you are confused whether exercising on an empty stomach is good or bad, read this article to know.

Working out regularly is great for health but when and how you workout is the most important factor. Some people believe that morning workout is best while some prefer to burn those extra calories at night. This is actually because different people have different body systems. Not everyone will produce the same results from the same exercise. Similarly, there is a lot of debate on whether it is good or bad to workout on an empty stomach. It largely depends on your age and internal health.

As long as you get favorable results and don't harm your health, it can be good. But it is not for anyone and everyone. What your goal to exercise is is also an important factor in deciding the timing and type of workout.

When Is It Good To Workout On An Empty Stomach?

If your goal is to lose weight or lose fat, then an empty stomach workout can be good for you. why maybe? There is some research that claims that fat burns faster in a fasted state than in a fed state. According to a study published in the journal 'Obesity', alternate day fasting state workouts can bring promising results for weight loss. It was also found that if participants consumed only 25% of total daily calories on other days, they had surprising results that could not be achieved through exercise or diet alone. Thus, your diet and exercise need to be coordinated to get the best results.

In contrast, in a study published in the journal 'JAMA Internal Medicine', researchers found no associated benefit of alternate-day fasting on weight loss. Instead, study participants achieved better results by following a traditional diet.

Why Is It Harmful To Work Out On An Empty Stomach?

During the night, our body works and makes some physical adjustments like managing the blood sugar level to keep the body functioning and you wake up energetic. This is called the fragmented state. When you exercise first thing in the morning without eating anything, your body stays in this state and continues to adjust and break down energy stores to manage glucose levels. If your body doesn't support you during early morning workouts* on an empty stomach, you should stop doing it.

Young adults with no health problems and an active lifestyle may consider exercising on an empty stomach, but there are some age groups who strictly need to avoid exercising on an empty stomach. Senior citizens or people suffering from chronic health issues (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) or autoimmune disorders should eat something before exercising in the morning. Be it a banana or a slice of bread with peanut butter or a handful of nuts, have something or the other for better health benefits.

Risk of Bonking

Exercising on an empty stomach may cause a condition known as 'bonking. It is an athletic term used for a condition where a person's blood sugar level drops due to not eating anything before exercising. This leads to lethargy, lethargy and unconsciousness. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid doing vigorous exercise on an empty stomach. Eat light but eat.