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by Russell Dinney  MScPT
updated Oct 18, 2024


Metabolism is the chemical conversion of food into energy to fuel living things. It is essential for all life, from single-celled bacteria to multicellular organisms. In humans, metabolism is a complex interaction of the nervous system, digestive system, pancreas, liver, muscle and fat tissue.

Foods contain three major energy sources, known as macronutrients. These are carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Proteins are the only macronutrient that can be utilized to repair and maintain our body tissues. They will typically only serve as a fuel source in emergencies when we are undernourished. Carbohydrates are the most abundant macronutrient in many diets. They are broken down into glucose molecules, which are freely dissolved into the bloodstream. Fats are the most energy dense macronutrient but are less readily used than carbohydrates and typically make up a smaller proportion of our diets. A gram of fat delivers more than twice as much energy compared to a gram of carbohydrates!

Circulating blood glucose and lipids (lipids are fat molecules and are packaged in transporters called lipoproteins) are carried throughout the body. They will either be stored in muscle, liver or fat tissue for later use or immediately be shuttled into cells. Within each cell, small bean shaped structures called mitochondria break apart the chemical bonds holding glucose and fat molecules together. This process releases stored energy, which can now be used to fuel cellular activities required for life.

 

Metabolic Health

Metabolic health can be defined as being in a state of optimal nourishment, with the ability of mitochondria to flexibly use both carbs and fats as fuel. Mitochondria should be able to efficiently blend energy sources depending on availability and activity demands. Metabolic health occurs along a continuum, but clear signs can appear to indicate when an individual is metabolically unhealthy. A medical diagnosis of “Metabolic Syndrome” is made when 3 of the following 5 criteria are met:

  • A waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women
  • Serum triglycerides level of 1.7 mmol/L or greater
  • Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, less than 1.0 mmol/L in men or less than 1.3 mmol/L in women
  • Elevated fasting glucose of 5.6 mmol/L or greater
  • Systolic blood pressure value ≥ 130 mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 85 mm Hg1

 

Why is Metabolic Health Important?

Being metabolically healthy lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.1 In Cornerstone’s Metabolic Rehabilitation Program, individuals will learn about lifestyle changes to restore their metabolic health and reduce chronic disease risk.

 

  1. Swarup S, Ahmed I, Grigorova Y, et al. Metabolic Syndrome. [Updated 2024 Mar 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459248/
About the author

Russell Dinney

Physiotherapist Learn More about Russell Dinney
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