noli.

Register

Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.@hubermanlabTikTok

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

original sound — @hubermanlab

what it claims

For fat loss, performing cardio while fasted or after eating does not matter as long as you maintain an overall caloric deficit; simply choose the method you prefer.

holds up

This statement is solidly supported by research on exercise and body composition. A major meta-analysis published by Hackett and Hagstrom in 2017 compared fasted and fed cardio…

noli's read

This statement is solidly supported by research on exercise and body composition. A major meta-analysis published by Hackett and Hagstrom in 2017 compared fasted and fed cardio, confirming that neither protocol offers a superior advantage for fat mass loss. Similarly, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Brad Schoenfeld in 2014 showed similar weight variations when energy intake throughout the day is equivalent. While fasted exercise temporarily uses more lipids as fuel during the effort, the body subsequently adjusts by burning more carbohydrates for the remainder of the day. Finally, the nuance provided regarding high intensity is entirely accurate: maximal performance or prolonged endurance generally benefit from a prior intake of carbohydrates to maintain energy.

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 14, 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 →

More from Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.

Noli has read similar claims

Other advice in the Register that leans on the same research.

Noli, a firefly holding its lantern, at rest

Seen something like this? Send it to Noli.

Paste any health post from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube or X — or the advice itself, if someone just told you. About ten seconds, no account needed.