Many people like to start their day with exercise — running, swimming, or walking. Some prefer to do this on an empty stomach, while others wait until after breakfast. But which is actually better?
Some people experience gastrointestinal issues while exercising. This can include bloating, heartburn, vomiting, cramps, reflux, and even diarrhea.
It turns out that some nutrients move through the digestive system more slowly than others. Fiber, fats, and proteins make you feel full for longer. That’s helpful if you want to lose weight — but right before exercising, these nutrients can cause discomfort. Dehydration can make the symptoms even worse.
If you’ve often had digestive issues while exercising, it might help to eat less — or nothing at all — before your workout.
So, is fasted exercise the solution?
Fasted workouts can help reduce gastrointestinal complaints.
However, it has not been scientifically proven that exercising on an empty stomach leads to more fat burning. Studies so far show no clear difference in fat loss between people who exercise with or without eating beforehand.
Also, working out on an empty stomach may result in lower energy levels, which can reduce the intensity and effectiveness of your workout.
Conclusion:
There’s no need to work out fasted to lose more weight. But if you often experience digestive issues during exercise, having an empty stomach may feel more comfortable.