What is lipolysis?

Digestive lipolysis, or breakdown of dietary fats

This form of lipolysis breaks down dietary fats, i.e., those we ingest when we eat food. The vast majority of these are triglycerides, complex lipids that are too large to be absorbed intact by the gut. They need to be made digestible when they pass into the intestine: from here, they are released into the bloodstream.

The digestion of dietary fats is initiated in the stomach by gastric lipase. Lipases are ‘fat-splitting’ enzymes. In the stomach, they emulsify triglycerides to produce smaller lipids (primarily monoglycerides and diglycerides).

The production of monoglycerides then triggers the synthesis of pancreatic lipase. This acts in the small intestine, breaking down 75% of the triglycerides ingested. It is also in the small intestine that biliary acids (contained in bile) come into play. Secreted by the liver and stored in biliary vesicles, these acids facilitate the digestion of large lipids by emulsifying them into small droplets. Once digested via this joint lipase/bile salt action, lipids are absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. Any excess dietary fats are stored in the form of triglycerides in adipocytes. This process is called strong>lipogenesis.

Under exercise conditions, adipocyte lipolysis eliminates fats stored in adipose tissue

Adipocytes are specialised fat-storing cells: they constitute the body’s principal store of available energy. Adipocyte clusters form adipose tissue which is found in different proportions and at different sites in the body depending on the individual. Men primarily have adipose tissue around the abdomen, while in most women, it is found on the thighs, buttocks, stomach and breasts. Excess fat produces a form of cellulite, responsible for the infamous ‘orange peel skin’.

Adipocyte lipolysis occurs when the body needs energy (during exercise or fasting...) and is unable to obtain it directly from the diet.

When this is the case, the body emits various hormone signals (adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, ghrelin...), triggering a metabolic cascade that culminates in the mobilisation of... those same lipases! They break down the triglycerides present in adipocytes, releasing glycerol, fatty acids and... energy. The glycerol is predominantly eliminated by the kidneys. As for the fatty acids, they can either be broken down in the mitochondria of cells for energy production (beta-oxidation), or when present at excess levels, they can also be used to produce ketone bodies in the liver. These are a source of energy for the brain when there is insufficient glucose available. Prolonged fasting increases the production of ketone bodies, and in excess, they are toxic. It’s wise, therefore, to fast only under supervision.

How can you boost lipolysis to burn fat and aid weight loss?

To burn fat stored in adipose tissue in order to lose weight and slim down, you need to expend more energy. There are several natural and effective ways of doing this.

• Sustained physical activity is associated with increased production of adrenaline and noradrenaline which has the effect of mobilising the body’s reserves of glucose (glycogen in the muscles and liver) and fat (adipose triglycerides). The resulting hyperglycaemia and lipolysis provides energy that can be directly used by the body during exercise. What’s more, exercise conveniently produces a decrease in pancreatic hormone levels, to ensure steady blood sugar levels and energy provision. To maximise the mobilisation of fats, it’s important to prioritise regular, sustained exercise!
• Intermittent or periodic fasting is a gentler form of the more severe food restriction that can prove overly challenging. Intermittent fasting involves not eating for 16 hours. It is most often applied between (early) dinner and lunch, skipping breakfast, though alternatively, either of the day’s two main meals can equally be skipped. It’s thought this form of calorie restriction may activate a group of enzymes called sirtuins, which may have a positive effect on lipolysis.
• Some dietary supplements are also highly effective at activating lipolysis, particularly those containing green coffee (Green Coffee Extract) or moringa (Organic Moringa leaf extract).

So you now have a complete range of options for burning excess fat and achieving a trimmer figure!