Other noted benefits of AMPK activation:

Autophagy – Cellular degradation process (will present more research later on).

Life extension – Through a host of mechanisms but mainly making cells more resilient to stress.

Mitochondrial biogenesis – the formation of new mitochondria, the energy powerhouse of the
cell. This has implications in helping support muscle tissue.

Shuts down fatty acid synthesis and cholesterol synthesis [3] – Less fatty acids, less cholesterol
formation? Sounds good.

Improved blood glucose levels – through a regulation of insulin secretion and synthesis [3].

Regulation of satiety centers in the brain [3] – Your ability to feel full which is essential when
attempting to stay compliant with your diet.

Metabolic flexibility – the body’s ability to switch fuel sources. You want to be able to run
efficiently on your own stored fat, also vital in health.

Increase SIRT1 – plays a role in protection from metabolic disorders, muscle growth, and life
extension [6]

Inhibit hepatic glucose production [3]

Increased vasculature [7] – helps supply oxygen and nutrients to the body as well as waste
product removal.

Improvements in body fat distribution and adiponectin levels [8]

Reduced cancer formation, kidney disease, and increased resistance of neurons in the brain to
excitoxtic stress [9]

References

[1] Beardsall, K., (2008), Insulin and carbohydrate metabolism, Best Pract. Res. Clin. Endocrinol.
Metab.

[2] Rodin, J. “Insulin Levels, Hunger, and Food Intake: An Example of Feedback Loops in Body
Weight Regulation.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of
Medicine, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2015.

[3] Rutter, Guy. “Roles of 5 -AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) in Mammalian Glucose
Homoeostasis.” Henry Wellcome Laboratories of Integrated Cell Signalling and Department of
Biochemistry (2003): n. pag. Web.

[4] Groschi, M. “Endocrine Responses to the Oral Ingestion of a Physiological Dose of Essential
Amino Acids in Humans.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of
Medicine, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2015.

[5] Muller, A., S. Lamberts, J. Janssen, L. Hofland, P. Koetsveld, M. Bidlingmaier, C. Strasburger, E.

Ghigo, and A. Van Der Lely. “Ghrelin Drives GH Secretion during Fasting in Man.” European
Journal of Endocrinology 146.2 (2002): 203-07. Web.

[6] Tonkin, J. “SIRT1 Signaling as Potential Modulator of Skeletal Muscle Diseases.” National
Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2015.

[7] Ouchi, Noriyuki. “AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Stimulates VEGF Expression and
Angiogenesis in Skeletal Muscle.” American Heart Association, n.d. Web.

[8] Improvements in body fat distribution and circulating adiponectin by alternate-day fasting
versus calorie restriction, Krista A. Varady, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 21 (2010) 188–195

[9] Intermittent fasting dissociates beneficial effects of dietary restriction on glucose metabolism
and neuronal resistance to injury from calorie intake, R. Michael Anson, et al., PNAS May 13,
2003 vol. 100 no. 10 6216–6220