Metabolism is a small term with wide implications. It may be explained in varied ways depending on the person looking it up. While the school books provide a fairly simplistic definition of metabolism, those meant for senior students and researchers as well as medicos are all-encompassing with every tiny process associated with it discussed in detail. Moreover, medical professionals such as endocrinologists as well as biologists may be concerned about health conditions occurring due to flawed metabolism. Proper Metabolism Definition depends on several factors and you are welcome to check different resources to obtain the associated facts.
Metabolism definition: What is it?
The term can be defined as a set of biochemical reactions occurring in the body throughout its lifetime. There is no cessation of the process. The food you consume is broken down into the core nutrients and converted into calories. The usage or burning of such calories releases energy that is utilized by your body for all bodily functions! In other words, it is the energy derived from metabolism that propels your body to remain active. Metabolism is thus a key factor for fuelling your body.
Functions Ensured by Metabolism
The following functions occur when the required amount of energy is released due to the burning of calories:
- Respiration
- Circulation
- Digestion
- Development & Repair of Damaged Cells
- Regulation of Hormones
- Maintaining the body temperature
Importance of BMR
You are sure to come across the acronym BMR many times in your life. Rest assured it is simply a way of stating basal metabolic rate which is the amount of calories your body spends when a rest. Admittedly, even standing or moving around will result in burning more calories which ensures that your body has the right energy needed for that particular activity. The BMR will vary from person to person. However, you may restrict your BMR by weight management techniques or vigorous exercise. However, such a move limits activity as well. You should understand that simply reducing the BMR is not a solution for weight loss. The topic is more complicated and needs to be considered extensively. Checking the responsible factors can help you to shed excess weight too.
Conditions that Affect Metabolism
The metabolism in your body may be rapid or slow down due to various factors such as:-
- Muscle Mass– More calories are used to build and maintain muscle mass. The first condition of weight loss is therefore to increase your metabolism by developing more muscles
- Age– The body tends to slow down with age. The metabolism is also reduced once the level of physical activity goes down
- Gender– The males have a larger body structure and need more energy in comparison to females. Their metabolism is faster therefore
- Genes– The code of life lies in your genes. You cannot control your metabolism fully because your genetic composition is responsible for it. The inherited genes are responsible for the muscle mass and the calories burnt to maintain them
Just being aware of the Metabolism Definition is not enough! You must gain an insight into the topic to understand how this never-ending complex process affects your body. You may try to control it to remain healthy by preventing various metabolic disorders.