Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionTypesHow it’s RegulatedFactors Impacting ItCan You Increase It?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Types
How it’s Regulated
Factors Impacting It
Can You Increase It?
You’ve probably heard the term “metabolism” thrown around. Some people may blame theirbody size on their metabolism, describing it as fast or slow. Or maybe you’ve tried toboost your metabolismthrough a particular diet or exercise regimen.
But what exactly is your metabolism, and is there anything you can do to change it? This article will define metabolism, its types, how it’s regulated, and the factors that impact it.
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What Is Metabolism?
“Metabolism” is a term that refers to all chemical processes or changes in your body at the cellular level. At any given moment, thousands of complex chemical processes are happening in your cells to keep you healthy and thriving. Such processes help with breathing, circulating blood, controlling your body temperature, and ensuring your brain and nerves function.
You have to consume food to create energy for these chemical processes. However, your body cannot use the food directly. The energy in the food must be converted into a form your cells can use for normal functioning, including growth, development, reproduction, repair, and elimination (getting rid of waste from the body).
Types of Metabolism
There are two types of metabolism:anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism processes require energy, while catabolism processes create or release energy. Both co-occur in the body.
Anabolism
Anabolism is any chemical process involved with synthesis, or building, of complex molecules from simpler molecules. Your body is constantly repairing and building new structures necessary for life.
Sometimes anabolism is visible, such as in building muscle for sports, a healing wound, a growth spurt, orpregnancy. Other times, it happens without our noticing, such as whenproducing new blood cells, repairingDNA(deoxyribonucleic acid; the hereditary material in humans and other organisms), mineralizing bone, or synthesizing hormones likeinsulin,estrogen, ortestosterone.
Catabolism
What Regulates Metabolism?
While many hormones are involved in various chemical processes in the body, thethyroid hormoneis largely responsible for regulating your metabolism.
Hormones are made in theendocrine glands, including the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas, and send chemical messages to all parts of the body, including organs, organ systems, and tissues like bone, skin, and muscle.
Hyperthyroidism, or excess thyroid hormone, increases yourbasal metabolic rate(resting energy expenditure) and encourages weight loss, the breakdown of fats and protein for energy, andreduced cholesterol levels.Hypothyroidism, or reduced thyroid hormone, has the opposite effect, lowering overall metabolism.
The Relationship Between Thyroid Hormones, Metabolism, and Weight
Factors Impacting Metabolism
Women tend to carry approximately 10% more body fat than men who have a similar age andbody mass index (BMI)value.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure. It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age. Even though it is abiased measure, BMI is still widely used in the medical community because it’s an inexpensive and quick way to analyze a person’s potential health status and outcomes.
Other factors that can affect your metabolic rate include:
Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss
Can You Increase Your Metabolism?
Several factors contribute to your metabolism or energy usage. Unfortunately, much of your metabolism is out of your control. That’s because your basal metabolic rate, or resting energy expenditure, makes up about 70% of your metabolism. This includes all normal cellular functions occurring without conscious participation, such as breathing, pumping blood, and a functioning brain and nervous system.
Another 10% of energy is used to digest your food. Physical activity accounts for the remaining 20%. This includes not just voluntary exercise but maintaining your posture and fidgeting.
Is It Possible to Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism?
While you may not be able to change your metabolism drastically, some things can help:
Summary
However, a balanced diet with sufficient calories, regular exercise, and enough sleep can help regulate your metabolism.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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