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Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.@hubermanlabTikTok

Does fasted training burn more fat? @thealanaragon #hubermanlab #huberman #andrewhuberman …more

original sound — @hubermanlab

what it claims

Training in a fasted state increases fat burning during the session, but it has no superior impact on overall fat loss at the end of the day compared to training after eating, assuming equal calories.

holds up

The observation shared here is particularly accurate and aligns with exercise science. A meta-analysis by Schoenfeld et al.

noli's read

The observation shared here is particularly accurate and aligns with exercise science. A meta-analysis by Schoenfeld et al. (2014), which grouped several randomized controlled trials (RCTs), confirms that there is no difference in long-term fat mass loss between fasted and fed training. In the short term, another meta-analysis by Vieira et al. (2016) validates the fact that fasted exercise indeed increases the use of fat as fuel during exertion. However, as the expert points out, the body compensates for this usage by burning fewer fats and more carbohydrates for the rest of the day. This is an excellent demystification showing that for weight management, consistency and total daily caloric intake take precedence over meal timing.

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 →

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