Our metabolism is a complex biochemical process that controls the production and use of energy in our body. It plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. One factor that significantly influences our metabolism is physical activity.
METABOLISM IN BRIEF
What exactly is metabolism? Metabolism involves a variety of chemical processes that take place in our bodies to convert food into energy, build cells and eliminate waste products. This process is essential for the survival and maintenance of our bodily functions.
Metabolism is made up of two main components:
- Anabolism: This process refers to the building of substances in the body, including proteins and cells. This is where energy is expended.
- Catabolism: This is the breakdown of substances to release energy.
The rate at which our body uses energy and processes nutrients is called metabolic rate. A fast metabolism means the body burns more calories, while a slow metabolism means the body uses fewer calories.
EXERCISE AND METABOLISM
The role of physical activity in relation to metabolism cannot be underestimated. Here are some important aspects of the relationship between exercise and metabolism:
- Increased energy consumption: During physical activity, the body’s energy consumption increases significantly. This means that more calories are burned to provide the required energy for the activity.
- Muscle mass and metabolism: Muscles are metabolically active tissues. The more muscle mass you have, the more energy your body uses, even at rest. Regular strength training can help increase your muscle mass and thus boost your metabolism.
- Afterburn Effect: After intense physical activity, your metabolism often remains elevated for several hours. This is called the “afterburn effect” and means that you continue to burn calories after your workout.
- Blood sugar regulation: exercise supports better absorption of glucose into muscle cells, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. This can prevent the development of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
- Fat Metabolism: Intense physical activity promotes the breakdown of fat reserves for energy. This may contribute to weight loss and improve fat metabolism.
METABOLIC DISEASES…
… are metabolic diseases that affect the normal metabolic process in the body. Metabolism involves the conversion of food into energy, the maintenance of a stable chemical balance in the body, and the elimination of waste products. When this complex process is disturbed, various diseases can result. For example, diabetes mellitus. These diseases often require lifelong medical care, adapted nutrition and special therapies to improve the quality of life of those affected.