Does Building Muscle Burn Fat?

Does Building Muscle Burn Fat?

The process of building muscle mass at the same time as we are burning off excess stored body fat is often referred to a Body Recomposition. Body Recomposition requires us to Burn Fat Stores to provide the required energy.

When we make a conscious decision to to tone up our flabby bodies by Hiking, Trail Running, Walking, Backpacking or even going to the Gym we set off some several processes in reaction to this new stimulus. One of those processes being burning some of our fat deposits.

Why Do We Burn More Fat When Our Muscles Get Bigger?

Why does building muscle burn fat? There are a few processes at work that will burn off our fat deposits here.

The initial building up of the muscle requires an influx of additional energy. This energy will initially be provided from your Glycogen stores, these are stores of carbs obtained from your muscles and liver.

However, once these Glycogen stores are used up, your body will have to switch to burning fat for the energy required. Firstly this energy will be provided from the fatty acids floating around in your blood stream from recent meals, and secondly, if the demand for energy continues, as it will, your body will be forced to convert fat from your fat reserves (think Beer Belly and Chins) and convert them to the energy required. Read more...