Metabolism, a term that comes up often when discussing health and fitness, is defined as the chemical processes involved in converting food into energy. It is a complex process that utilizes oxygen and calories to build and release energy. The energy produced here helps fuel bodily functions, making metabolism a key mechanism for carrying out daily tasks. Here is what one should know about the process and maintaining a healthy metabolic rate:

Metabolism and types of processes
Metabolism is the chemical reaction that takes place in the cells of the body, producing energy and synthesizing biomolecules from the ingested food. The process continues even when the body is at rest. It is responsible for providing energy to help the body carry out primary functions of the body, such as:

1. Breathing
2. Digestion
3. Blood circulation
4. Managing hormone production
5. Repair and growth of cells
6. Regulating body temperature

Based on the kind of chemical reaction, metabolic processes are categorized into the following two types:

Anabolism: This chemical process involves building complex biomolecules using simpler components derived from foods. The body keeps producing new structures that are essential for life. Anabolism processes require energy. Sometimes, the effects of anabolism can be visible, i.e., in a healing wound, pregnancy, and building muscle for sports. However, usually, anabolism occurs without leaving any visible marks, such as the process of hormone synthesis, DNA repair, production of new blood cells, and bone mineralization.

Catabolism: This is any chemical reaction involved with the degradation or breaking down of complex molecules into simpler ones. Specific enzymes regulate this process to help release energy. A key example here is digestion, which involves breaking down food into usable components.

Factors affecting metabolism
Here are a few factors that can affect the metabolic rate:

Age: As people age, they lose their muscle mass, which can slow down the metabolic processes.

Physical activity: Any form of physical activity, like daily exercise, participating in sports, and workouts, helps the body burn more calories.

Muscle mass: People with more muscle mass have a higher metabolic rate, helping them burn more calories.

Gender: Men tend to have more muscle mass, less body fat, and larger bones than women. So, men have a faster metabolism than women.

Genes: Genes can also decide the muscle size and capability to build muscle mass, which in turn will determine the metabolic rate.

Levels
Low metabolism: This is also referred to as slow metabolism, or the metabolic rate that is lower than average. So, those with a low metabolism can find it difficult to burn calories and this process can be slow.

High metabolism: Also known as fast metabolism, here, the metabolic rate is higher than average. So, people with a high metabolism are able to burn calories faster. People with a fast metabolism find it easier to maintain body mass and optimal health than those with a slow metabolism. Also, a slim body is not necessarily associated with a high metabolism.

It is significant to note that the two terms or levels can be relative and may vary from individual to individual.

Conditions affecting metabolism
The following conditions can lead to a slower metabolism:

1. Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland
2. Cushing syndrome

Further, metabolic disorders that are inherited from the parents can lead to abnormal chemical reactions in the body. Some such hereditary conditions are:

1. Wilson disease
2. Gaucher disease
3. Mitochondrial diseases
4. Hemochromatosis
5. Tay-Sachs disease
6. Maple syrup urine disease

Tips for boosting metabolism
One can increase their metabolic rate by making a few life Metabolism can be boosted if we follow the below-mentioned ways:

1. One should avoid skipping meals, as long-term fasting can slow down the metabolism.
2. Practicing strength-training exercises can help boost metabolism.
3. One should fuel the body with fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and fewer fats and choose sources of healthy fats and carbohydrates.
4. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps prevent health conditions.
5. One should get enough rest and good quality sleep every night.

One can take an online metabolic-type quiz to learn about the kind of metabolism they have to better understand the steps they may need to take. If one experiences unexpected changes in body mass or extreme fatigue, they should consult a doctor to check for issues with metabolism.

A good metabolic rate can help one maintain health and burn calories. However, the rate can change over time. So, one should understand the needs of the body to take the right measures to boost metabolism. However, it is important to consult a doctor before making any drastic changes in the daily routine. Further, a nutritionist can recommend a suitable meal plan to boost metabolism.