Why Your Metabolism Isn't Just About Digestion

Why can one person demolish a pack of biscuits without gaining a pound, while another just looks at one and feels it? The answer isn’t willpower—it’s biology. In this episode, Mel Harris & Shaw Somers unpack the hidden “universe” of metabolism, revealing how your brain, muscles, and even your evolutionary past shape the way you burn energy. Challenge the tired “calories in, calories out” myth and explore why strict dieting can backfire—triggering survival mechanisms that stall fat loss. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Standby Principle: Your basal metabolic rate is the energy required just to keep your "machine" ticking over while you sleep, similar to a TV on standby. Efficiency is the Enemy: People prone to obesity often have highly efficient digestive systems that absorb nearly every calorie, whereas others have "inefficient" systems that burn through energy naturally. The Starvation Trap: Going on a strict, low-calorie diet signals a "famine" to your brain, causing your metabolism to switch off to protect your fat stores and keep you alive. Absorption Varies by Person: Even identical twins absorb different amounts of energy from the same food due to factors like the microbiome and life experience. Organ Fuel: Your brain alone consumes a quarter of your body’s energy; if you don't eat enough, your organs cannot function effectively to do their jobs. QUOTES "The reason they're not losing weight is because they're not eating enough." "Your brain takes up about a quarter of your body's energy because it's very energy hungry." "I can eat the same biscuit as somebody else. But I can absorb more calories from that biscuit than the person next to me." "If you start with yourself, go on a strict diet, your metabolism naturally will switch out to stop you losing too much weight." "We are the ones who were slightly chubby... it's a survival advantage if a famine is coming." Dr Shaw Somers Information https://www.instagram.com/mrshawsomers/ https://www.shawsomers.com/ 🔗 Follow & Connect with KIO Method 🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.kiomethod.com/fmo ⁠⁠⁠📺⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kiomethod⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠📸⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kiomethod⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠🎵⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@kiomethod⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠📘⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/kiomethod⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠💼⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiomethod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HOST BIO Mel Harris is a weight loss mentor, podcast host, and founder of KIO Method Ltd, specialising in long-term weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery and weight loss injections. After losing nearly 15 stone (90kg) following weight loss surgery in 2004, Mel has spent over 20 years navigating the realities of keeping weight off. With lived experience of bariatric surgery, weight regain, GLP-1 medications, and metabolic health challenges, Mel is on a mission to close the gap between losing weight and keeping it off for life. Through honest, compassionate conversations, she cuts through misinformation, diet culture, and shame — offering real support, insight, and zero judgement. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠⁠