Fettverbrennung

Fettverbrennung, also known as lipolysis, is a metabolic process that involves the breakdown of triglycerides, the primary form of stored energy in the body, into glycerol and free fatty acids. This process primarily occurs in adipose tissue, where triglycerides are stored in lipid droplets. Lipolysis is regulated by hormones, with the most significant regulators being epinephrine (adrenaline), glucagon, and cortisol, which increase lipolysis, and insulin, which inhibits it.

The process of lipolysis begins when a hormone binds to its receptor on the surface of the adipocyte, a type of fat cell. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately lead to the activation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides. HSL cleaves triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, which are then released into the bloodstream.

Free fatty acids can be used as an energy source by various tissues, including muscles and the liver, or they can be re-esterified into triglycerides and stored back in adipose tissue. Glycerol, on the other hand, can be used as a substrate for gluconeogenesis in the liver or converted into glucose-6-phosphate for glycolysis.

Lipolysis is an essential process for maintaining energy homeostasis, particularly during periods of fasting or physical activity when glucose availability is limited. However, excessive lipolysis can lead to weight loss and may contribute to conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the regulation of lipolysis is tightly controlled by the body to ensure optimal energy balance.