When we are losing fat, what we're doing is metabolizing the triglycerides that are stored in the fat cells. Triglycerides are comprised of just three types of very simple atoms: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Triglycerides can only be broken down by unlocking these atoms through the process of oxidation.
In a peer-reviewed study published in the BMJ, a journal published by the British Medical Association, scientists decided to follow the path of these three atoms as they leave the body. They discovered that when 22 pounds of fat is oxidized, 18.5 pounds of that fat is excreted as carbon dioxide via the lungs. While just 3.5 pounds was released as water through sweat, urine and even tears.
In other words, approximately 84% of the fat you lose is eliminated through your breath when you breathe out. These calculations revealed that the lungs are the primary excretory organ for fat. And, if that isn’t enough, the researchers estimate that about one-third of the weight loss happens as you breathe during a full night of sleep (Check out last months newsletter/blog). So most of the fat, is literally vanishing into thin air! (No pun intended 😊)
Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that breathing harder is going to help you to burn fat more quickly…
Bet you didn’t see that one coming!
