General
catabolic
What does catabolic mean?
Describes the body breaking down tissue, including muscle, for energy; the state lifters fear during under-eating or long fasts.
"Skipping meals all day will leave you catabolic."
Origin
From biochemistry 'catabolism'; gym-slang antonym of anabolic.
Frequently asked questions
What does catabolic mean?
Catabolic describes the body breaking down tissue, including muscle, for energy; it's the state lifters fear during under-eating or long fasts.
Is being catabolic bad for muscle?
Prolonged catabolism can eat into muscle, which is why lifters try to eat enough protein and calories to stay anabolic instead.
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