what occurs when the body burns fat and protein instead of glucose?

Question

Dehydration

Ketosis

Hyponatremia

Nutritional imbalance

Answer 1

there are 3 macronutrient food groups:

proteins
carbohydrates
fats

in terms of energy all 3 are metabolized and converted to the cellular energy source called ATP. ATP is used for all muscular contractions and for all anabolic and catabolic processes. stored fats yield the most units of ATP, next comes glycogen and then amino acids.

depending on the type and duration of exercise the ratio's of the metabolization of the 3 macronutrient groups changes to attempt to meat the bodies requirements for more energy.

so there really isn't one answer to your question as there are many variables. but the body can only utilize what is available. if muscle glycogen stores have been depleted the liver will release glycogen from it's stores as glucagon levels are increased. if more amino acids are needed and the levels in circulating blood is low then cortisol levels will elevate to catabolize amino acids from stored protein structures (muscle tissue).

Speed of conversion to ATP:
#1. glycogen to ATP
#2. lipids to ATP
$3. amino acids to ATP

lipids supply the highest yield of ATP units, then glycogen then amino acids...

Answer 2

If you aren't winded, you aren't burning fat. Cardio exercise takes 20min or more. Glucose and glutamine are stored in the muscles to supply instant energy to perform anaerobic tasks. Once these supplies are exhausted, your body kicks over into aerobic mode and starts demanding much more oxygen to metabolize fat stores. High intensity training (like circuit training) can deplete your energy stores and kick you into the aerobic phase faster than easy jogging, but it's still going to take 15min or more to be sure you're over the edge. Hitting it hard does pay off, in a lot of ways. 1st it takes less time to burn the same calories, and 2nd it puts higher strain on your cardiovascular system (it could also kill you if you're in really bad shape), so your heart will not only get leaner, but stronger. High intensity workouts will help lower your blood pressure considerably better than easier workouts, the only problem is that if you already have high blood pressure, you can literally kill yourself by pushing too hard too early before you're conditioned to it. Bottom line, you're going to have to invest time to burn fat. Quick and easy doesn't work.

Answer 3

if you're weight training if burns muscle tissue and fat. The glucose reserves are diminished after 30-45 min.