How your body fuels itself when you stop eating

Fasted State · 12:26 · Video: Armando Hasudungan · Watch at the source

In short: When you fast, your metabolism doesn't just slow down; it reconfigures. This video explains the hormonal shift that allows your body to mobilize stored energy and maintain steady blood glucose levels.

The transition into a fasted state triggers a metabolic pivot toward energy mobilization and conservation. Central to this process is the hormone glucagon, which coordinates three primary pathways: glycogenolysis (breaking down stored glycogen), gluconeogenesis (creating new glucose), and lipolysis (breaking down fats).

By activating these systems, the body ensures that blood glucose levels remain stable even in the absence of external food. Understanding these mechanisms provides a clearer picture of how human physiology adapts to periods of nutrient scarcity.

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