Is training while fasted beneficial?

Training while fasted can indeed be beneficial, and preferences can vary widely between individuals. Andrew Huberman notes that some people feel they perform best when they train fasted, particularly before cardio exercises, while others might prefer to be fed, especially before resistance training. He emphasizes that there's no hard and fast rule about whether to train fasted or fed; it largely depends on what an individual can tolerate to avoid gastric distress and what fits one's schedule. Flexibility in choosing between fasted and fed training can make incorporating fitness into a changing schedule easier [1].

Additionally, engaging in physical exercise while fasted can amplify the effects of that exercise not just for burning body fat, but also for cellular health, liver health, and the health of other organs [2].

For those who can manage it, training fasted might help in burning more body fat per unit time, particularly when followed by steady state or medium intensity cardio [3]. However, if you experience discomfort or cannot perform adequately on an empty stomach, it may be more beneficial to eat before training.

In summary, whether to train fasted or fed should align with personal preferences, physical responses, and lifestyle needs.