Are Fasted Workouts All They Are Cracked Up To Be?

Fasted cardio/workouts. Have you ever been told that this would be the best way to workout for your body?

While there are some pros with fasted cardio/workouts, as with anything, there are also some cons. These include belly fat, disrupted sleep, aging or sagging skin. These are just a few prime examples of changes due to hormonal imbalances. The hormonal balance of your body is disrupted through fasted cardio, as your brain perceives a deficiency in nutrients. One study found that fasting decreases the production of kisspeptin, thereby disrupting the release of estrogen and progesterone.

So, what is Kisspenptin? Kisspeptin is a protein present in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is part of the brain that controls the release of several important hormones in the body; including estrogen, progesterone and cortisol.

Cortisol is one of the primary stress hormones in the body. Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been associated with triggering the body to store more fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Studies have shown that working out on an empty stomach can increase cortisol levels, as the body perceives fasted cardio/workouts as a significant physiological stressor. There is evidence to suggest that exercising in the fasted state can potentially increase the risk of injury as well as can also be detrimental to muscle mass. Being fasted during a workout can force your body to burn protein in the muscle tissue for energy which is detrimental to strength, athletic performance, health and metabolic rate.

There is so much research out there. What works for one may not work for another. Be sure to always seek professional advice when it comes to your health.