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Metabolize This! What Is Metabolism and Metabolic Disorders



 

You may have always been wondering, “What is metabolism?” Well, metabolism is a group of chemical reactions inside the body that adapt the fuel found in what we eat into energy that our bodies can use. We use this energy to do everything; from voluntary actions like running and talking, to involuntary actions like growing.

There are thousands of metabolic reactions all occurring inside of our bodies at the same time, and each one is responsible for specific body functions.

Thus, “What is metabolism?” is a good question to ask because metabolism is, in fact, responsible for the function and health of every cell in our bodies. For those of you who are wondering “What is metabolism?” it may interest you to know that the metabolic process is made up of two smaller processes: anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is also known as constructive metabolism and it involves the building and storing of materials. Catabolism is also known as destructive metabolism and it is associated with the breaking down of molecules, which in turn releases energy.

What is metabolism in regards to hormones? Well, the rate of metabolism can be affected by hormones, such as insulin and thyroxin. You may also be wondering what is metabolism and its affect on my weight? Well, metabolism does play a role in weight. Your basal metabolic rate determines how many calories you can burn while you are at rest.

Metabolic Disorders

What are metabolism disorders, you may be wondering. If there is an irregular or abnormal chemical reaction in your body, then this could cause metabolic disorders. Many metabolic disorders are caused by abnormal functioning or levels of the hormones that are involved in metabolism. Some metabolic disorders are inherited, while others are developed. Some common metabolic disorders include: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, Galactosemia, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Phenylketonuria, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, and Type 2 diabetes. Many of these disorders can lead to even more serious conditions. For example, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency can lead to hemolytic anemia, meaning that the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. Also, diabetes can result in an increased risk for heart disease and other health problems.

Metabolism and metabolic processes have a major effect on every aspect of your body and your life. It is important to not only understand the process of metabolism, but to also take care of your body so that your metabolism is able to remain consistent. If you think you are experiencing problems with your metabolism, you should make sure to visit your doctor right away.

Latest News About Metabolism:

Yahoo! News: Weight Loss News
More Kids Now Extremely Obese (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, March 18 (HealthDay News) -- The obesity epidemic is hitting children harder than ever, with 7.3 percent of boys and 5.5 percent of girls classified as extremely obese in a California study, researchers from Kaiser Permanente report.
U.S. child obesity problem worse than thought (Reuters)
Reuters - Extreme obesity among American children is much worse than previously believed, putting them at greater risk of serious health problems as they age, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.
Supplement may slow overweight kids' fat gain (Reuters)
Reuters - Supplements containing the dietary fat conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may help overweight kids curb the amount of fat they gain over time, a small study suggests.
First lady: Diet is key to children's productivity (AP)

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama participates in a discussion on childhood obesity with Newsweek's editor Jon Meacham (not seen) at the Newseum in Washington March 17, 2010.    REUTERS/Larry Downing  (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS)AP - First lady Michelle Obama says her fight against childhood obesity isn't about appearance but about whether kids have enough energy to be productive at school.


First lady to food makers: Hurry up on healthy food (Reuters)
Reuters - Food manufacturers need to work faster to re-formulate and re-package food so that it is healthier for kids, U.S. first lady Michelle Obama said on Tuesday.
2 Drugs Fail to Prevent Diabetes in the Overweight (HealthDay)
HealthDay - SUNDAY, March 14 (HealthDay News) -- Hopes that two available drugs could help prevent diabetes and the problems it causes in overweight people with poor sugar metabolism have been dashed by a major international study.
Obesity, Drinking a Double Threat to the Liver (HealthDay)
HealthDay - THURSDAY, March 11 (HealthDay News) -- Obesity plus daily drinking boosts the risk of liver disease in men and women, researchers report in two new studies.
Health Tip: What's Behind Childhood Obesity (HealthDay)
HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Obesity is a major problem in the United States, and children are no exception. Today's kids are spending more hours watching TV, sitting at the computer or playing video games, and less time being active.
Obese Colon Cancer Survivors Face Poorer Prognosis (HealthDay)
HealthDay - TUESDAY, March 9 (HealthDay News) -- Colon cancer survivors who are moderately or severely obese face tougher survival odds following treatment compared with their normal-weight peers, a new study reveals.
NY seeks 'fat tax' on sodas to fight rising US obesity (AFP)

A person chooses a beverage in New York City in 2009. New York leaders are pressing for a so-called fat tax on the soft drinks industry, saying that sweet beverages are responsible for an upsurge of obesity across the United States.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Donald Bowers)AFP - New York leaders are pressing for a so-called fat tax on the soft drinks industry, saying that sweet beverages are responsible for an upsurge of obesity across the United States.


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