There are many terms that you continue to use without knowing what it stands for. Well, metabolism is one of such terms that many liken to weight gain and loss. This is quite far from the truth, however. It is best to look up the meaning and go through the available details to form an idea about the process. It is pretty interesting to note that information about metabolism includes its definition that explains the procedure as a continuous one that goes on within the body without respite. Metabolism helps to break down the complex nutrients of food as well as ensure the repair of damaged muscle tissues as needed. All major bodily functions
Important information about metabolism
Gathering the required information about metabolism can be varied. School children may need only a modicum of facts whereas researchers, doctors, and scientists are keen to know the details. The following questions have to be answered correctly to know the basics related to metabolism:
Metabolic Processes
There are two distinct types of metabolism namely:
- Anabolism– The building or repair of the cells by using energy derived from food is known as anabolism. When you consume more food than needed for anabolism, it gets stored in the body as fat.
- Catabolism– The breaking down of food components such as carbohydrates, fat, and protein into simpler forms to produce energy is catabolism.
Terms related to Metabolism
Some of the most common terms and acronyms used frequently to refer to metabolism are:-
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR)- The body requires energy to function even when you are not doing any work. Metabolism provides the energy you need to breathe, circulate blood to different organs, repair damaged cells as well as maintain hormonal balance. The BMR helps you to understand the minimum energy that you need to live.
- Thermic effect of food or thermogenesis -This accounts for 5% to 10% of the energy used for digestion of food and drinks, absorption, and transportation of nutrients to parts of the body. It also includes storage of unused nutrients.
- Energy used for physical activity– This amount varies according to the energy used per day. The energy expended for all types of physical activity such as walking, running, playing sports, working out, and even unplanned activities like standing up or fidgeting require energy. You will use almost 20% of the energy for moderate physical activities.
The BMR is an important measurement that will help you to understand how to remain functional when at rest. It is used to check your health as well as look for weight loss/gain. The factors that determine the BMR include:-
- Body size
- Amount of lean muscle tissue
- Amount of body fat
- Crash dieting, starving, or fasting
- Age
- Gender
- Growth & Development
- Genes
- Hormonal and nervous systems
- Environmental temperature
- Illness
- Amount of physical activity
- Drugs
- Dietary deficiency
It is important to acquire more information about metabolism when you happen to be a doctor or researcher and need to learn about various related disorders.
