Knowledge Base > Physiology and Metrics

Fatmax and Fat Metabolism

Fatmax is defined as the maximum amount of fat an athlete can burn per hour in order to generate energy. A high fat metabolic rate means that limited carbohydrate stores can be conserved and fatigue sets in later. Fats are available to the body almost indefinitely even during the longest endurance disciplines, so a high fat metabolic rate is of great importance in endurance sports. Fatmax is mainly driven by VLamax and VO2max. If a lot of energy comes from the glycolytic system (high VLamax), this means a lower fat metabolic rate. If VLamax is low, less carbohydrates are metabolized and fat metabolism is increased.

With higher power output, your fat metabolism increases until Fatmax is reached. If the power output continues to increase, the fat metabolism rate decreases again and from the anaerobic threshold, almost no more fats are metabolized.

Note Fatmax is individual and cannot be derived from your anaerobic threshold. With AI DIAGNOSTICS you can determine your individual Fatmax intensity.