Should I or shouldn’t I do fasted cardio?
That’s a good question.
On one hand it has been shown that fasted cardio upregulate the enzymes responsible for using fat for fuel. On the other hand it could increase cortisol which might decrease your capacity to build muscle.
The positive is that it can “program” your body to become more efficient at utilizing fat for fuel. If you have been overweight for a while your body is likely inefficient at using fat for fuel so fasted cardio could be a viable option to change the way your body works, energy wise, and could be an investment is becoming better at losing fat.
The drawback is that it could lead to muscle loss if abused or if you have a stressful lifestyle.
When I work with someone who has a hard time losing fat, or has carried an extra amount of fat for a long time, I use it. I am aware of the drawbacks (even wrote articles about it). But the more recent studies show a potential benefit for that population that is worth it, at least in the initial fat loss phase.
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Thanks Chris!