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How is fat on the body 'burnt'? PDF Print E-mail
Written by Ross Edgley   
Wednesday, 02 May 2007

Ross I’m a 23 years old, 16 stone woman and am confused….there is so much information about how to get loose weight BUT how does the body actually burn fat? Yours hopefully Claire x

Howdi Claire : ) 
 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 technical, but I hope you get the idea
All the best and happy training
Ross x

 
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