Working out on an empty stomach can lead to decreased performance due to low energy levels. Your body needs fuel to perform optimally during exercise, and without it, you may find it difficult to push yourself as hard as you can with proper nutrition. When you exercise without eating, your body may not have the necessary nutrients to support muscle function and repair. This can increase the risk of injury as your muscles may fatigue more quickly and become more susceptible to strains or tears.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. K. Somnath Gupta, Sr. Consultant Physician & Diabetology, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad explained whether it is safe to work on an empty stomach or not. 

According to Dr Gupta, exercising on an empty stomach can lead to muscle breakdown for energy. Your body may turn to muscle tissue as a source of fuel when there are no carbohydrates or fats readily available, potentially leading to loss of muscle mass over time. After a workout, your body needs nutrients to repair muscle tissue and replenish glycogen stores. Exercising on an empty stomach can impair this process, delaying recovery and making it harder for your body to bounce back for your next workout. 

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Working out on an empty stomach can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. This can be dangerous, especially during high-intensity workouts or activities that require focus and coordination. Without sufficient fuel, your body may feel fatigued more quickly during exercise. This can make it harder to stay motivated and complete your workout with the same intensity and duration as when you're properly fueled. 

Working Out On An Empty Stomach (Image Credits: Canva)

While some people believe that exercising on an empty stomach promotes greater fat burning, research suggests that this isn't necessarily true. Working out in a fasted state may increase the percentage of calories burned from fat, but it doesn't necessarily lead to greater overall fat loss compared to exercising after eating. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining mental focus and clarity during exercise. Exercising on an empty stomach can leave you feeling foggy-headed and less able to concentrate on your workout, which can impact both performance and enjoyment. 

Fasting before exercise can disrupt hormone levels, including cortisol and insulin, which play important roles in energy metabolism and muscle growth. Imbalances in these hormones can hinder your progress and make it harder to achieve your fitness goals. Consistently working out on an empty stomach may have long-term negative effects on your metabolism, hormone balance, and overall health. It's important to prioritize proper nutrition to support your body's needs and optimize your fitness journey.

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