During fasting, which statement best describes the body's metabolic response?

During fasting, which statement best describes the body's metabolic response?

• A. Metabolism Speeds Up
• B. Metabolism Slows Down
• C. Cortisol Decreases
• D. Amino Acids Converted to Glucose

Answer: (B)

During fasting, the body aims to conserve energy while still meeting essential needs. Hormonal changes promote glucose production and fat breakdown, but the overall energy expenditure drops as a protective adaptation. This shift means the body relies more on fatty acids and ketones for fuel and reduces its rate of energy use, so metabolism slows. Gluconeogenesis from amino acids does occur to maintain blood glucose, but it’s part of sustaining glucose supply rather than keeping metabolism high. Hence, the best description is that metabolism slows down.

During fasting, the body aims to conserve energy while still meeting essential needs. Hormonal changes promote glucose production and fat breakdown, but the overall energy expenditure drops as a protective adaptation. This shift means the body relies more on fatty acids and ketones for fuel and reduces its rate of energy use, so metabolism slows. Gluconeogenesis from amino acids does occur to maintain blood glucose, but it’s part of sustaining glucose supply rather than keeping metabolism high. Hence, the best description is that metabolism slows down.