What Your Metabolism is Actually Doing

Does your metabolism actually change over time—or is it more flexible than most people think?In this episode of Health Recoded, we break down how the metabolism works in the human body and what it really means for your energy levels, weight changes, and long-term health.If you’ve ever struggled with weight gain, weight loss resistance, or changes in energy as you age, this episode will help clarify what’s actually happening inside your body.We also explore what most people misunderstand about “slow metabolism,” and whether metabolism can truly “break” or permanently shut down.We cover:How metabolism actually works (energy expenditure and regulation)What happens to metabolism with agingDifferences in metabolism between men and womenWhether metabolism really slows down or “breaks” over timeHow lifestyle factors like sleep, activity, and muscle mass affect metabolic rateIf you’re looking to improve your energy and long-term health, this episode gives you a clear place to start.Subscribe for more conversations that help you better understand your body. New episodes weekly.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:53 What metabolism actually is (energy expenditure explained)03:02 What organ system uses the most energy?04:54 How macronutrients affect the metabolism09:00 How BMR affects metabolism10:14 Men vs women: metabolic differences explained16:32 Debunking “Gym-bro” advice18:26 How does menopause affect the metabolism?20:24 Caloric differences between men and women21:21 Why people misunderstand “fast vs slow metabolism”23:07 Does the metabolism “break?”24:32 What is insulin resistance?26:30 What is NEAT?28:59 How to support a healthy metabolism (muscle, activity, recovery)37:51 Key takeawaysThis content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for guidance provided by your own medical professional.Resources:Mayo Clinic. (2024). Metabolism and weight loss: How you burn calories. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Metabolism. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/metabolism.htmlMauvais-Jarvis, F. (2015). Sex differences in metabolic homeostasis. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 17(Suppl. 1), 76-85. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12517Speakman, J. R. (2013). Sex differences in energy metabolism. Annual Review of Nutrition, 33, 291-313. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071812-161528https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22206-insulin-resistance