Dt. Kavita Kataria
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Understanding Metabolism and Its Disorders
Metabolism is a word you heard tossed around in fitness discussions, diet plans, or sometimes here and there in health blogs — but what exactly is it? Why do some people blame a “slow metabolism” for weight gain? And what happens when something goes wrong with it?
In this post, we’ll explore what metabolism means, the key processes behind it, and the most common metabolic disorders that affect millions of people worldwide.
So, let’s start to get a better understanding of Metabolism.
Metabolism: All the chemical processes taking place in the body to keep it in functional state. It consists of two major processes. One is anabolism and another is catabolism.
Anabolism: the building up processes in the body like complex proteins like DNA.
Catabolism: the breaking down processes in the body from complex carbohydrates to simple glucose.
In simple words, metabolism is what you eat or drink is broken down in the body to convert it into the materials your body requires and eliminate waste out of the body
There, another term related to metabolism is BMR. What is it? And how it is used in relation to health and concern of the body.
BMR: Basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy your body requires at rest for basic functioning of the body like breathing, blood circulation, new body cell production and growth. That is counted in calories, how many calories you burn out the whole day defines your metabolism as ‘fast’ or ‘slow’. It accounts for 60-75% of your total energy expenditure.
Factors Affecting BMR -
Age
Gender
Muscle mass
Genetics
Hormonal balance
Metabolism Inhibitors: the factors or the foods that affect your metabolism negatively and cause illness in your body are considered as inhibitors. These are:
Skipping breakfast or meals
Highly processed foods
High sugar, low protein diet
Nutrient deficiencies
Alcohol
These can lead to serious metabolic conditions called metabolic disorders.
What Are Metabolic Disorders?
A metabolic disorder happens when abnormal chemical reactions interfere with the body’s ability to:
Use energy properly
Convert food to energy for body to utilize
Eliminate waste products out of the body
Some disorders are inherited, while others are acquired due to lifestyle, environment, or other medical conditions.
Common Metabolic Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1: Autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Type 2: Body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
Symptoms: Fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, weight changes.
Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland slows metabolism.
Symptoms are : Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, dry skin.
Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroid increases metabolic rate.
Symptoms are: Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, insomnia.
Metabolic Syndrome
A cluster of conditions including:
High blood pressure
High blood sugar
Excess abdominal fat
Abnormal cholesterol levels
Increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Phenylketonuria (PKU): A rare inherited disorder where the body can’t break down the amino acid phenylalanine. If untreated, it can lead to brain damage.
Gaucher’s Disease
Tay-Sachs and others
These are inborn errors of metabolism, usually diagnosed in infancy or childhood, requiring specialized treatment.
Recovery after Surgery with Vitamins
Morning(Vitamin B-complex): whole grain oats, almonds & sunflower seeds
Mid-morning(Vitamin B12, D): tofu/salmon
Evening snack(Vitamin A):carrot
Dinner(Vitamin A, C and K): pumpkin
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms like fatigue, weight gain/loss, mood changes, or abnormal lab results, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
In case of excessive weight gain/loss consult a bariatric surgeon or a dietician.
Tips for a Healthy Metabolism:
Eat a balanced nutritious diet
Stay hydrated
Stay physically active
Get good sleep
Manage stress
BONUS:
Metabolism Boost Meal Plan
A cup of green tea aid in fat metabolism
Lemon water keeps your body hydrated
A pinch of cinnamon or black pepper support relaxation and improves sleep quality
A dash of Turmeric helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
