What’s the Metabolism Definition?

To understand what metabolism is, you need to understand what the metabolism definition is.

The definition in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is:

• a: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm; specifically: the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated
• b: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body
• c: the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment .

Wow, that definition is a mouthful!

What does it really mean?

In terms of your body, metabolism refers to the first two parts of the online metabolism definition.

It is how your body uses energy to function, and how your body processes nutrients to provide that energy.

In essence, a good basic definition is that metabolism is what enables your body to work properly:

• What allows your heart to pump
• Your lungs to breathe
• Your brain to transmit messages.

Your metabolism is unique to you; it can be represented as the number of calories your body needs to function when at rest.

(If you are active, such as running, your body will need more calories.)

So how does this definition relate to weight loss?

How can it help you overcome obesity?

By understanding what your metabolism rate is, you can help plan your diet and fitness around that.

If your unique metabolism shows that you need 2,000 calories for your body to function at rest, you can use this as a starting point for weight loss.

If you eat 2,000 calories a day, and are inactive, you will maintain your weight.

If you eat 2,000 calories a day, but are active and burn 500 calories through exercise, your body will be burning 500 extra calories.

When it burns 3,500 extra calories you will have lost a pound.

When thinking about how the definition relates to weight loss you must understand that some metabolism factors cannot be changed such as:

• Gender
• Age and
• Genetics.

You can, however, speed up your metabolism through lifestyle changes, such as how you eat and how you exercise.

If you can speed up your metabolism, it will cause your body to burn more calories, which will help you lose weight and overcome obesity.

Here are some more tips that will help you lose weight.

• Incorporate a proven, complete nutritional program into your daily life.
• Enhance your nutritional program with a complete mutivitamin supplement because no nutritional program is perfect.
• Use a behavior modification and motivational program that will help you stay on track with your nutritional plan.
• Exercise at home with your own:
  Treadmill

  Stairstepper

  Exercise bike

  Elliptical trainer

  Hand weights or

  An aerobic video.

• See what kinds of weight loss aids your health insurance covers such as:
  Hypnotism

  Gym membership discounts

  Nutritional counseling.

You’ll find lots of information in this section on metabolism definition, as well as ways to increase your metabolism.

Good luck and remember: It's never to late to start losing weight.