The word "metabolize" comes from the Greek "metabole," which means "transformation" or "change." Your body metabolizes the carbohydrates, proteins and fats you consume and converts them into energy you need to live. These chemical processes help you breathe, circulate blood, regulate body temperature, contract muscles, build tissues, repair cells, digest nutrients, eliminate waste and use your brain.
Basal Metabolic Rate
A calorie measures the amount of energy from the food you intake. Your body stores calories mostly as fat, which converts into energy. The basal metabolic rate, or BMR, refers to the speed at which your body metabolizes these calories. If you have a low BMR, which means you burn fewer calories, you will metabolize less body fat and may gain weight.
BMR Factors
Physical factors in determining your BMR include your body size and composition, your sex and your age, according to Dr. Donald Hensrud at MayoClinic.com. That's because those with more muscle mass can have a faster BMR. This includes men and younger people, as muscle mass tends to decrease with age. Exercising can help because you burn calories from the extra activity. Plus, if you are physically fit, your BMR tends to be higher, so you can burn more calories even when you're watching television.
Anabolism and Catabolism
After you eat, enzymes in your digestive system break down proteins into amino acids, fat into fatty acids and carbohydrates into glucose for your body to use as energy. Your blood absorbs these compounds and delivers them to your cells, where other enzymes metabolize them, either through anabolism or catabolism. Anabolism, or constructive metabolism, occurs when smaller molecules process into larger molecules to help build new cells, maintain body tissue and store energy. Catabolism, or destructive metabolism, breaks down larger molecules into smaller molecules to release stored energy as fuel for your body and as waste products you no longer need.
Metabolic Disorders
A metabolic disorder occurs when your body isn't metabolizing properly. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland, increases your BMR and can cause weight loss, increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, slows your body down and can cause fatigue, a slow heartbeat, weight gain and constipation. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to balance sugar intake. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin.
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