Ask Ross
How does the body actually burn fat?
I am confused….there is so much information about how to get ripped BUT how does the body actually burn fat? Cheers Ross, from Chris
Chris mate,
You're right, there really isn't a lot of information on the science of fat loss. But never fear, I shall do my best to solve your confusion : Basically the breakdown of fats in your body is called lipolysis. The enzyme in the body that is responsible for lipolysis is called lipase. Lipase turns fats, or triglycerides, into three unbound fatty acids (FFA) and one glycerol molecule.
So pretty much all you need to know by now is that lipase, the breakdown of fats, is caused partly by cardio. Mobilization is the breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and FFA's for energy. So basically you can think of mobilization as breaking down fat in your body for future possible use. Oxidation is the point at which the fatty acids that were mobilized were actually burned. Fats that were mobilized for possible use do not have to be burned and can be converted back into new triglycerides.
The other fat is called intramuscular triglycerides. Intramuscular triglycerides are droplets of triglycerides that are stored inside the muscle fiber. This places fat closer to the site of energy production in the muscle fiber and therefore allows intramuscular fat to be utilized at a slightly higher rate than adipose tissue (stored body fat). This fat is the kind that is burned during High intensity work outs
Phrased a little nerdy, but I hope you get the idea Chris :
All the best and happy training
Ross
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