Typically, the oxidation of fat to release energy occurs after about 15 to 20 minutes of aerobic exercise.
How does oxidation of fat occurs?
After about 15 to 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, fats are oxidized in the mitochondria, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) , peroxisomes.
Fat oxidation involves the breakdown of fatty acids.
Mainly oxidation of fats is beta- oxidation which occurs in the mitochondria. It is named so because the bond between second (beta) and third carbon breaks.
In the peroxisomes, alpha and beta oxidation of fats occur.
While in the ER, omega oxidation occurs. It is an alternative to beta oxidation in some animals where omega carbon is oxidized.
The rate of fat oxidation depends upon exercise duration, intensity, weight, nutrition.
Oxidation of fats provides energy in low intensity exercises by contraction of muscles.
