Exercise is one of the most effective ways to help your body burns fat. Many people, however, still think that the more they sweat, the more fat they lose. In fact, sweat is not the main sign that fat is being burned.
So, what actually shows that your body is burning fat during a workout, and what can you do to support this process? The explanation below will help you understand it better.
Signs When Your Body Burns Fat in Exercises
People often rely on the number on the scale to judge whether their diet or exercise is working. In reality, body weight alone does not always reflect what is really changing inside the body. A body composition scale gives a clearer picture because it can show body fat percentage, not just total weight.
Another common belief is that more sweat equals more fat burned. According to experts, this is not quite correct.
Sweating is mainly a cooling mechanism. When you exercise, your body temperature rises and sweat helps bring it back down. Even during light or moderate activity, you can sweat, and every person has a different sweating pattern and heat response.
Fat is burned when your body reaches a so-called fat burning zone, usually during moderate to higher-intensity exercise. At this point, your heart rate is roughly 60–85% of your maximum heart rate.
In that range, the body starts relying more on stored fat as a fuel source. This process generates heat, prompting the body to sweat and also to remove carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products.
Because of all these factors, it is not possible to know exactly how much fat you burn during a single workout. However, there are several signs of fat burning that you may notice in your daily life, such as:
Improved stamina
Over time, consistent exercise helps build muscle strength and endurance. When you realise you can lift heavier weights, swim more laps, or run longer distances without getting tired or short of breath as quickly, it suggests your body is becoming more efficient at using fat for energy.
Clothes feel looser
Even if the figure on the scale does not move much, clothes that feel looser or a smaller waist, thigh, or arm circumference can indicate a reduction in body fat in those areas. A fairly stable body weight may also mean you are gaining muscle mass, so changes are not always obvious on the scale.
Quicker recovery
Another sign that fat burning and overall fitness are improving is shorter recovery time after exercise. This shows that your muscles are getting oxygen and nutrients more efficiently as your body becomes better at using fat as an energy source during your activities.
More defined muscles
As the layer of fat just under the skin decreases, your muscles start to look more visible and defined. This more toned appearance is often a clear, visible sign that fat stores are shrinking.
Better sleep quality
Losing fat, especially around the abdomen, can improve sleep quality and help reduce stress. When sleep improves, you tend to wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to move.
Feeling more energetic
When your body burns fat more effectively, your overall energy often increases. The heart and lungs work more efficiently, blood pressure tends to be more stable, and daily physical activities feel easier to do.
Signs of fat burning do not always show up while you are exercising. They are more likely to appear after you have followed a consistent exercise routine. To support fat burning more effectively, you can add regular strength training and gradually increase the weights you use.
If you have questions about fitness, it is best to consult a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
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Ajmera, R. (2024). 12 Ways to Promote Long-Term Fat Loss. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-ways-to-burn-fat