Sports Nutrition Does Fasted Cardio Lead to Greater Weight Loss? By Darla Leal Darla Leal Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Darla Leal is a Master Fitness Trainer, freelance writer, and the creator of Stay Healthy Fitness, where she embraces a "fit-over-55" lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 13, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Mia Syn, MS, RDN Medically reviewed by Mia Syn, MS, RDN Mia Syn, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master of science in human nutrition. She is also the host of Good Food Friday on ABC News 4. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Cecilie_Arcurs / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Overview Fasting Workouts Benefits Risks Fasted cardio is the fitness theory that working out on an empty stomach or after a prolonged period of fasting can lead to greater fat loss. While there are fitness professionals who adhere to the theory, it is still a hotly debated topic in the fitness world. The efficacy of the fasted cardio theory remains contested, and ultimately, the decision of whether or not to exercise on an empty stomach is up to you. Here's a look at some of the research that's been done to test the ideas behind fasted cardio. Does Fasting Burn Fat? Bill Phillips, bodybuilder and author of "Body-for-LIFE," has been credited with introducing the fasted cardio theory in 1999. In his book, he indicates that the human body maximizes fat burning while exercising in a fasted state. The book was a success, and his concept of fasted cardio has remained popular ever since. According to Phillips, fasting overnight reduces our blood sugar, insulin levels, and glycogen stores. Typically, our bodies rely on these glycogen stores, which come from carbohydrates in our diet, for energy. However, if you exercise in a fasted state (i.e., with reduced glycogen), the fasted cardio theory argues that your body then relies on body fat for energy to fuel your workout. Are Fasting Workouts Effective? While some fitness industry professionals follow the fasted cardio method and note that it has some fat-burning benefits, scientific research has not fully supported the theory's effectiveness. Take a look below at some of the notable research on fasted cardio: In a 2012 study comparing fasted cardio to postprandial (after eating) cardio, results showed greater appetite suppression later in the day for the participants who had eaten breakfast before running. By the end of the day, however, there was no difference in total energy intake between the groups who had fasted before exercise or eaten before.A 2017 scientific review by researchers in Australia looked into five separate studies and a total of 96 participants to measure the effectiveness of exercising after an overnight fast. In their research, the review authors determined that working out post-fast had very little—if any—effect on body mass.A 2018 review from the University of Limerick in Ireland looked into 46 previously published studies and found that when study participants ate before a cardio session, they were able to work out for longer periods of time. Working out in a fed state led to longer aerobic workouts, showing that while fasted cardio may have other benefits, it does not typically lead to longer workouts.More recently, another 2018 study looked specifically into the effects of a fasted state on resistance training. The researchers at the Department of Kinesiology in Samford University studied 12 female NCAA Division I athletes, each of whom completed two workouts. One resistance workout session happened after a 10-hour fast, while another happened after a fat- and carb-loaded meal. Following the two workouts, the researchers found that the fasted session allowed the body to use more fat as energy than carbohydrates. While the recently published research on fasted cardio is limited, it's important to remember that exercise offers benefits whether it is done in a fasted state or after eating. The fasted cardio theory argues that if you can exercise on an empty stomach, you may be able to leverage greater fat-burning effects. Overall, weight loss and reduction of body mass is likely a result of an overall calorie deficit, whether exercise is completed on an empty stomach or not. Benefits of Fasted Cardio While scientific studies have found limited support for the theory behind fasted cardio, other research has found that athletes who fast have experienced measurable fat loss. Researchers have studied Muslim athletes during Ramadan to learn more about the metabolic impact of fasted cardio. One such study examined the effect of aerobic training in active men while fasting during Ramadan versus in a fed state (before and after Ramadan). Body composition and metabolism were compared in 19 men, and the results indicated bodyweight reduction in both the fed and fasted groups. However, body fat percentage decreased only in the fasted group (by 6.2%). Although exercise promotes weight loss in general, this study suggested that fasted cardio may provide an advantage for burning body fat specifically. Another study on trained bodybuilders evaluated body composition and metabolism changes during Ramadan. Sixteen male bodybuilders participated in the study, which lasted for 30 days. Body mass and body mass index (BMI) increased by 2.4% in the non-fasting participants. It was unchanged in those who were fasting. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a dated, biased measure that doesn’t account for several factors, such as body composition, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Despite being a flawed measure, BMI is widely used today in the medical community because it is an inexpensive and quick method for analyzing potential health status and outcomes. Although this study looked at weight training instead of cardio, it provides further insight into the effect of fasting on exercise and body composition. In addition to potential body fat loss, fasted cardio has other lifestyle benefits. If you've ever experienced exercise-induced nausea, eating prior to your workout may be a factor. An older 2001 study found that nausea during a workout, especially a high-intensity session, is more likely to occur on a full stomach. For those athletes who aren't early risers, overnight fasting and fasting prior to a morning workout may also save you time after waking up. With a no-meal-before-workout schedule, you don't need to wake up early to build time for eating before a session. Instead, enjoy those extra few moments of sleep. Risks of Fasted Cardio While body fat reduction may be a benefit of fasted cardio, it's important to note some of the potential drawbacks of this nutrition and fitness approach: The same 2012 study referenced above that followed fasting effectiveness in athletes during Ramadan found that fasting participants also experienced some negative effects, including dehydration and reduced renal function. (Because Ramadan fasting includes abstinence from both food and water, the negative effects of dehydration and reduced renal function may not apply to fasters who continue to drink water normally.) A 2011 review published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal found that working out in a fasted state could lead to protein loss. While performing a cycling workout, the study participants were found to have lost protein, and in turn, muscle. These findings show that if you're trying to build muscle mass, fasted cardio may not be the optimal choice. Similarly, fasted cardio may not lead to longer workouts. If endurance workouts—marathon training, for example—are your goal, fasted cardio may not be the best option. The same 2018 review noted earlier found that consuming food pre-workout can naturally lead to a longer endurance aerobic session. On the other hand, working out in a fasted state can result in a shorter workout. Another 2019 study measured the workout efficiency of 20 male cyclists who performed fasted workouts and fed workouts. After both sessions, the study authors found that fasted workouts negatively impact workout intensity and volume. Such research suggests that working out on an empty stomach can adversely impact how intensely you perform a workout. A Word From Verywell The choice to practice fasted cardio is a personal decision. Performing exercise consistently, regardless of whether or not you eat before, provides clear health benefits, which can include healthy, sustainable weight loss. If you have never done a workout before eating breakfast, it's best to start slow. Give your body a chance to adapt to any changes in your exercise and eating plan, and find ways to be active that work best for you and your lifestyle. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 9 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Gonzalez JT, Veasey RC, Rumbold PLS, Stevenson EJ. Breakfast and exercise contingently affect postprandial metabolism and energy balance in physically active males. Br J Nutr. 2013;110(4):721–732. doi:10.1017/s0007114512005582 Hackett D, Hagstrom AD. Effect of overnight fasted exercise on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2017;2(4):43. doi:10.3390/jfmk2040043 Aird TP, Davies RW, Carson BP. Effects of fasted vs fed-state exercise on performance and post-exercise metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018;28(5):1476-1493. doi:10.1111/sms.13054 Frawley K, Greenwald G, Rogers RR, Petrella JK, Marshall MR. Effects of prior fasting on fat oxidation during resistance exercise. Int J Exerc Sci. 2018;11(2):827-833. Trabelsi K, El abed K, Stannard SR, Jammoussi K, Zeghal KM, Hakim A. Effects of fed- versus fasted-state aerobic training during Ramadan on body composition and some metabolic parameters in physically active men. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22(1):11-8. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.22.1.11 Trabelsi K, Stannard SR, Maughan RJ, Jammoussi K, Zeghal K, Hakim A. Effect of resistance training during Ramadan on body composition and markers of renal function, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity in recreational bodybuilders. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22(4):267-75. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.22.4.267 Kondo T, Nakae Y, Mitsui T, et al. Exercise-induced nausea is exaggerated by eating. Appetite. 2001;36(2):119-125. doi:10.1006/appe.2000.0391 Schoenfeld B. Does cardio after an overnight fast maximize fat loss?. Strength & Conditioning Journal. 2011;33(1):23–25. doi:10.1519/SSC.0b013e31820396ec Terada T, Eshghi SRT, Liubaoerjijin Y, et al. Overnight fasting compromises exercise intensity and volume during sprint interval training but improves high-intensity aerobic endurance. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2019;59(3):357-365. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.18.08281-6 Additional Reading Gonzalez JT, Veasey RC, Rumbold PLS, Stevenson EJ. Breakfast and exercise contingently affect postprandial metabolism and energy balance in physically active males. British Journal of Nutrition. 2013;110(4):721-732. doi:10.1017/S0007114512005582