Question about catabolism

[Dave160]

This has been on my mind for awhile; wouldn't fat be the first thing to be consumed by the body for energy instead of muscle? It seems to me that would be the case because we store extra fat on ourselves (if we eat too much) to later be converted into energy when our food stores are low. I keep hearing people say that muscle is always burned when your food intake is not sufficient. My question is wouldn't fat be the first to go? Especially during sleep.

[flooman281]

what you're saying makes more sense
i think the order that the body burns fuels is:
carbs
fats
proteins/other body materials (not so sure about this one)

but the other people you're talking about may be right in another case. the body would start consuming itself if it doesn't have any fuels to begin with. so when your food intake is not good, that's what makes you lose body mass.

[Adonis]

Depending on the time of day and the situation, the fuel being used will change.

Your body will break down muscle tissue when it needs amino acids for other body functions.
Your body will reduce gycolgen stores when sugars are needed for energy.
Your body will utilize fats when triglycerides are needed for energy.

Thers is no balck and white answer.