Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. It involves a series of chemical reactions that break down nutrients to fuel essential bodily functions, such as breathing, digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.
Your metabolism plays a key role in weight management, energy levels, and overall health.
1️⃣ How Does Metabolism Work?
Metabolism consists of two main processes:
Catabolism (Breaking Down) – The body breaks down food into smaller molecules to release energy.
Anabolism (Building Up) – The body uses energy to build and repair tissues, such as muscles and cells.
Together, these processes keep your body functioning efficiently and determine how quickly or slowly you burn calories.
2️⃣ What Affects Your Metabolism?
Several factors influence how fast or slow your metabolism functions:
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – The energy your body needs to perform basic functions at rest (e.g., breathing, circulation). BMR accounts for 60-75% of daily calorie expenditure.
Muscle Mass – More muscle increases metabolism because muscle burns more calories than fat.
Age – Metabolism slows with age, primarily due to muscle loss and hormonal changes.
Genetics – Some people naturally have a faster or slower metabolism.
Physical Activity – Exercise increases calorie burn and boosts metabolic rate.
Diet & Nutrition – The types and frequency of foods you eat impact metabolic function.
Hormones – Thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol affect metabolic efficiency.
3️⃣ Can You Speed Up Your Metabolism?
While metabolism is influenced by genetics, you can make lifestyle changes to optimise it:
Increase Muscle Mass – Strength training and resistance exercises help build muscle, which increases calorie burn.
Stay Active – Daily movement (walking, cardio, HIIT workouts) helps boost metabolism.
Eat Protein-Rich Foods – Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbs or fats, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it.
Prioritise Sleep & Stress Management – Poor sleep and chronic stress can disrupt metabolic hormones.
Stay Hydrated – Drinking water supports efficient metabolic processes.
Use Intermittent Fasting (IF) or Time-Restricted Eating – IF can improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility.
4️⃣ How Does Vively Help You Optimize Metabolism?
Vively helps you track and improve metabolic health by:
Monitoring blood glucose with a CGM – Understand how food, exercise, and stress affect metabolism.
Providing personalised nutrition insights – Learn how to stabilize glucose and support fat metabolism.
Encouraging movement & exercise tracking – Helps improve metabolic flexibility.
Tracking sleep & stress – Poor sleep and stress can slow metabolism and affect hormone balance.
Measuring your Wellness Score – Get a daily snapshot of metabolic health.
Your metabolism is unique. Using Vively, you can track how lifestyle choices affect your metabolic function and make data-driven improvements.
Final Thoughts
Metabolism is more than just burning calories—it’s essential for energy, weight balance, and long-term health. By making small, sustainable lifestyle changes and tracking your metabolic health with Vively, you can optimise your metabolism for better well-being.