$Unique_ID{BRK01177}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{When You Lose Weight, Where Does the Fat Go?}
$Subject{fat weight loss nutrition losing burns burning carbohydrates proteins
oxidation metabolism metabolic food foods diets diet fats burn carbohydrate
protein oxidize}
$Volume{C-26}
$Log{
Fat Distribution in the Body*0003401.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


When You Lose Weight, Where Does the Fat Go?


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QUESTION:  I really appreciate your answers to questions about nutrition, fat
and losing weight.  My question is:  when you lose weight, where does the fat
go?  What form is it in when it leaves your body?  Please go beyond just
saying that your body burns it.  What happens in the burning process?

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ANSWER:  Fats, to use the term in its broadest chemical sense, are composed of
long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with just an occasional oxygen atom
here or there.  In this fashion they resemble both carbohydrates (which
contain more oxygen) and proteins (which contain, in addition, atoms of
nitrogen).  In contrast, coal and fuel oils which also give energy when
burning are simple hydrocarbons, containing only hydrogen and carbon but no
oxygen.  And oxygen is needed for the "burning process," both in and out of
the body.  When it occurs the process is known as "oxidation", and the
chemical reaction provides the heat and energy we need for all body functions.
During this process the fats are broken down, their hydrogen and carbon atoms
combining with the oxygen to form (in the very last stage) water (H2O) and
carbon dioxide (CO2).  Thus you breathe in oxygen but exhale carbon dioxide,
and a great deal of water vapor too.  In many ways the process is identical to
burning coal, which produces flame in addition to the heat and energy.  In the
body the reaction is not quite as dramatic, and is handled by a wide
assortment of enzymes and other chemicals.  When the body requires more
energy, to provide for muscle contractions during exercise for example, the
oxidation process must be turned up.  Although the body generally uses its
carbohydrates (sugars) first for this reaction, it must soon use the reserve
energy resources contained in the fat tissue when those carbohydrates are used
up.  And when fat supplies are gone, the body starts to burn its proteins
(contained in muscles) as the fuel for the needed energy.  That explains the
often written statement about balanced nutrition and regular exercise as the
proper prescription for weight loss.  If you keep the fire going, but limit
the amount of coal you shovel on, your "coal pile" will soon disappear!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.