Skip to main content

Fatty Acid Mobilization

Meaning

Fatty Acid Mobilization is the metabolic process by which stored triglycerides within adipocytes, or fat cells, are hydrolyzed into glycerol and free fatty acids (FFAs), which are subsequently released into the bloodstream for energy use by other tissues. This process is a crucial component of energy homeostasis, providing a primary fuel source during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or caloric deficit. The efficiency of mobilization is tightly regulated by the endocrine system, with hormones such as catecholamines and growth hormone promoting lipolysis, while insulin acts as a potent inhibitor. Dysregulation of this mechanism contributes significantly to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.