The Fitter You Are, the Faster Your Body Can Burn Fat for Energy

 

Some proteins in muscle play a major role in breaking stored fat into smaller fatty acids that other proteins then transport into cells—which are then turned into fuel for energy. Those who exercised regularly had more of these proteins.

 

Neither exploration could pinpoint why women might see a greater effect than men, but it may be related to the fact that women tend to have a greater reliance on fat as a fuel source, which could give them a metabolic advantage, according to lead author Oliver Chrzanowski-Smith, Ph.D., who works in the Department of Health and Social Care for the Isle of Man in the U.K.