Which state is characterized by lipolysis occurring?

• A. Absorptive state
• B. Post-absorptive state
• C. Fed state
• D. Fasting state

Answer: (B)

The correct answer relates specifically to the post-absorptive state, a condition characterized by the body utilizing stored energy sources. In this state, the body's glycogen stores are depleted, leading to the mobilization of fat reserves for energy through the process of lipolysis. Lipolysis involves the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be utilized by various tissues, particularly muscle and liver cells, for energy production.

During the post-absorptive state, which occurs several hours after food intake, insulin levels decrease, allowing hormones such as glucagon and epinephrine to rise. These hormones stimulate lipolysis and promote the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream to be used as an energy source.

In contrast, during the absorptive or fed state, the body focuses on utilizing incoming nutrients (such as glucose) for energy and storing excess energy as fat or glycogen, which is not conducive to lipolysis. In the fasting state, while there may be some lipolysis occurring, it's primarily in the post-absorptive phase where significant fat breakdown takes place to meet energy demands. Therefore, the post-absorptive state is the most accurate characterization of the phase where lipolysis is actively