What are glycogen stores?

Glycogen stores refer to the way the body stores glucose for future energy needs. When glucose (a simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source) is abundant, your body converts it into glycogen, a more complex form of sugar, and stores it in muscles and the liver. This stored glycogen then acts as a readily available energy reserve that can be converted back into glucose for use when needed, such as during exercise or in between meals. In essence, glycogen acts as a form of energy storage that helps regulate the body's glucose levels and provides energy during periods when you are not eating 1 .