Weight loss

Although there is no evidence that autophagy causes weight reduction on its own, many of the procedures often employed to stimulate autophagy, such as calorie restriction, can cause weight loss. Other metabolic changes that occur during fasting and ketosis can also help with fat-burning and maintaining healthy body composition. These may include enhanced insulin sensitivity and lean muscle mass maintenance. Autophagy also alters the levels of particular hormones such as glucagon, insulin, and ghrelin, which reduces appetite. These effects may help weight reduction by lowering the number of calories consumed.

Furthermore, while the more human study is needed, certain animal studies show that autophagy is important in fat metabolism and may boost lipophagy, or the destruction of fat droplets. However, keep in mind that changes in fat metabolism may not always result in weight loss or a reduction in body fat. More human research is needed to determine if autophagy influences body composition.