Dr.Alok Purohit (PhD), Health Coach, Diabetes & Obesity educator

Weight management is a complex issue that is influenced by many factors, including genetics, diet, physical activity, and metabolism. Metabolism, in particular, plays a critical role in weight management, as it determines the rate at which our bodies burn calories and convert food into energy. We will explore the relationship between metabolism and weight management, as well as the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this connection.

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within our bodies to maintain life. There are two main types of metabolism: catabolism, which involves the breakdown of food into energy, and anabolism, which involves the synthesis of molecules for growth and repair. The rate at which these processes occur is known as the metabolic rate, which is influenced by several factors, including age, gender, body composition, and genetics.

One of the primary ways metabolism affects weight management is through its impact on the number of calories our bodies burn at rest, known as the resting metabolic rate (RMR). RMR is responsible for the majority of our daily energy expenditure and is influenced by several factors, including age, body composition, and thyroid function (Leibel, Rosenbaum, & Hirsch, 1995). Individuals with a higher RMR burn more calories at rest, making it easier for them to maintain a healthy weight.

However, it is important to note that weight management is not solely a matter of calorie intake and expenditure. The quality of the foods we eat also plays a critical role in metabolism and weight management. For example, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars can lead to insulin resistance, which impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and can lead to weight gain (Lustig, Schmidt, & Brindis, 2012). In contrast, a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support healthy metabolism and weight management.

Physical activity is another critical factor in weight management and metabolism. Exercise helps increase the metabolic rate, allowing the body to burn more calories even at rest (Kraus et al., 2019). Additionally, exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to better regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Visit https://www.alokpurohit.com/  and/or write to us on alokpurohit.com@gmail.com for once in a lifetime, personalized diabetes and obesity coaching which can help you learn more about your lifestyle conditions, reduce stress and anxiety through non medicinal, preventive/corrective lifestyle interventions and self empowerment

References:

Kraus, W. E., Powell, K. E., Haskell, W. L., Janz, K. F., Campbell, W. W., Jakicic, J. M., … & Washburn, R. A. (2019). Physical activity, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular disease. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 51(6), 1270-1281.

Leibel, R. L., Rosenbaum, M., & Hirsch, J. (1995). Changes in energy expenditure resulting from altered body weight. New England Journal of Medicine, 332(10), 621-628.

Lustig, R. H., Schmidt, L. A., & Brindis, C. D. (2012). Public health: The toxic truth about sugar. Nature, 482(7383), 27-29.