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Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.@hubermanlabTikTok

@thealanaragon: Should you train fasted or fed? #hubermanlab #andrewhuberman #huberman …more

original sound — @hubermanlab

what it claims

Choosing to perform cardio in a fasted state or after eating does not influence total fat loss as long as a caloric deficit is maintained over the day or week; therefore, one should choose based on personal preference.

holds up

This recommendation is perfectly aligned with the current scientific consensus. A major meta-analysis by Hackett and Hagstrom (2017) as well as a randomized clinical trial (RCT)…

noli's read

This recommendation is perfectly aligned with the current scientific consensus. A major meta-analysis by Hackett and Hagstrom (2017) as well as a randomized clinical trial (RCT) by Schoenfeld et al. (2014) confirm that, at equivalent caloric intake, training while fasted or after eating produces identical fat loss in the long term. Admittedly, another meta-analysis by Vieira et al. (2016) confirms that performing cardio while fasted temporarily increases fat utilization during exercise. However, the metabolism balances out over the course of the day and compensates by burning less fat at rest, canceling out any advantage regarding overall body composition. Finally, the creator's reservation regarding high intensity is very accurate, as these efforts require readily available carbohydrates to maintain performance. It is therefore a scientifically irreproachable piece of advice that prioritizes individual comfort.

the sources

  1. 1Hackett D, Hagstrom AD 2017
  2. 2Vieira AF, Costa RR, Macedo RCO, Coconcelli L, Kruel LFM 2016

Claimed by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. Noli grades the claim, never the person.

Decoded by Noli · July 13, 2026 · the original post

What the graded evidence says

Evidence
B
Effect
body composition (fasted vs fed exercise) and in-session fat oxidation — trivial between-group effect on body mass/composition (5 studies, n=96); fat oxidation during exercise higher fasted (WMD ~3.1 g), an acute effect that doesn't translate to greater fat loss
Measured on
healthy adults; body-composition data limited and skewed to women

What’s uncertain

The body-composition evidence base is small. Burning more fat during a fasted session doesn't mean more fat lost over time. The 'women should never train fasted' claim lacks strong supporting evidence, though some people simply feel better training fed.

Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. in the Register144 claims graded · solidity 82/100See their record →

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