Catabolism

Catobolism means breakdown this can be a positive or negative thing when it comes to building lean muscle mass - breaking down dietary fats and carbohydrates to provide energy is beneficial: the breakdown of muscle protein to energy is not. The state of being "catabolic" is the physiological state in which the body breaks down muscle mass for the nutrients (amino acids) it contains. The body enters a catabolic state when it doesn't have nutrients available to support the demands placed on it. This can happen after your workouts if you don't have a post workout shake and meal or while you sleep, when you aren't taking in any calories. You can't avoid catabolic states but you can make them shorter and less severe by following appropriate nutrition and supplementation protocols.