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What is metabolism?

Medicine & HealthLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions in your body that turn food into energy and building blocks for cells. It powers everything from breathing to thinking, even at rest. It breaks down food (catabolism) to release energy and builds molecules (anabolism).

Key things to understand

  1. It breaks down food (catabolism) to release energy and builds molecules (anabolism).
  2. Your basal metabolic rate is the energy you burn just staying alive.
  3. It's regulated by hormones and influenced by muscle, age, and activity.
  4. The energy currency cells use is ATP.

People also ask

What does metabolism do?
It converts the food you eat into energy and the materials your body needs to grow and repair.
What is basal metabolic rate?
The number of calories your body burns at complete rest to keep basic functions running.
Can you speed up your metabolism?
Building muscle and staying active raise energy use, but most variation is set by body size, age, and genetics.

Part of the guide: How Your Body Works →