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What is Metabolism? Metabolism is the biomechanical process of combining oxygen with nutrients to release the energy our bodies need to function. Metabolism is typically measured in kilo-calories, or more commonly calories. Total metabolic rate represents the calories needed for maintaining bodily functions, daily activities, and the energy cost of exercise or planned activity.
What is a Metabolic Fingerprint? A metabolic fingerprint represents the calories your body burns naturally each day to maintain vital bodily functions. In simple terms it is the number of calories a person would burn if they were awake, but at rest all day. Your metabolic fingerprint can represent 75% or more of a person’s total metabolism if the are inactive or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Why is it necessary to measure metabolism? Since metabolism accounts for the majority of calories we need each day. It is a critical piece of information we need to establish daily caloric needs, whether we are trying to lose or gain, or maintain, weight. Most healthcare and fitness professional recognize that metabolism is impacted by a variety of characteristics such as fever, illness, fitness level, obesity, activity, etc. When managing a client or patients nutritional needs or calorie requirements, knowledge of metabolic rate is critically important. Traditionally healthcare professionals, who have not had access to measurement technology, have relied on estimates of metabolism. Because metabolism is different among individuals, estimating can lead to errors and inaccurate calorie budgets. As a result of these inaccurate estimates, individuals may be over or under eating and not be successful in reaching their personal goals. As technology advances, professional must reassess their practices. The most accurate assessment of caloric needs is by measuring oxygen consumption and determining individual metabolism. The BodyGem and MedGem by Micro Life Inc. are tools that will provide the missing link for determining a personalized calorie budget, base on individual metabolism, necessary to achieve and maintain proper weight and nutrition. Additionally, the BodyGem and MedGem devices play a significant role in providing an individual’s daily caloric needs to improve individual care through nutrition assessment.
How do you measure metabolism? Metabolic rate is usually assessed using either direct or indirect calorimetry. Direct calorimetry requires the precise measurement of heat output using a large, expensive, and technically complex whole body calorimeter. Indirect calorimetry determines metabolic rate from oxygen consumption of an individual. Oxygen consumption measurements are typically done with a medical devise called a metabolic cart. These devises are relatively expensive, $20,000-$50,000, require technical expertise to operate, and require routine maintenance and calibration. Over the past ten years Helthe Tech has harnessed revolutionary new technology to develop the BodyGem and MedGem, handheld devices that can measure oxygen consumption and determine an individual’s caloric needs. Measuring oxygen consumption, rather than using population based predictive equations allows clinicians and health and fitness professionals to make the most accurate decisions for their patients and clients. With a simple breath test of ten minutes or less, an individual can now have their unique metabolic fingerprint measured, for a determination of a personal caloric budget that is right for them.
Why is metabolism unique to each individual and why would it change? Metabolism is determined by a number of factors such as body mass, body composition, age, gender, and hormones. Muscle burns more calories than fat; a person with a higher percentage of muscle will have a higher metabolic rate. In an example from a recent weight management study, subject 1 is a woman who weighs 158 pounds, a body fat percentage of 33%, and a measured metabolism of 1571 calories per day. Subject 2 is a woman who also weighs 158, with a body fat percentage of 48%, and a measured metabolism of 1252 calories per day. At the same weight, similar height, and same age, these women have very different metabolic values due to differences in body composition. Metabolism declines naturally in adults at a rate of about 2% per decade; however this decline is primarily a result of muscle loss. Men normally have a higher metabolism than women, partly because they tend to have a percentage of muscle compared to women. Certain hormones can increase or decrease metabolism. In addition, the metabolic response to stress and injury influences metabolism and necessitates measurement of VO2 rather than using formula based estimates. Formula based estimates do not take into account individual variability, pre-existing medical conditions, or the numerous complications that can occur in any given disease state. Disease states and major surgery are capable of generating a dramatic increase in energy expenditure. Repeated measurement of oxygen can ensure that the best nutritional care is and can positively influence individual outcomes, whether they are weight or nutritional management, improved patient outcomes, or overall health and fitness.
Weight Loss When individuals lose weight their metabolism may decrease. This should not be alarming because the decrease in metabolism is a result of tissue loss. Weight loss ideally results in proportionately more fat loss than muscle loss. Strength training during weight loss can lessen the muscle loss, but most people will experience some muscle loss. During weight loss the body may also lower metabolism in response to a lower caloric intake. Most people experience this change without realizing it. Weight loss may be easy for the first few pounds and then becomes more difficult and even plateau. At a lower metabolism, an individual must adjust dietary intake or increase activty through exercise to lose additional weight. The good news is that after weight loss, metabolism may increase slightly once the individual’s weight is stable. During weight loss it is helpful to monitor changes in metabolism and make necessary adjustments to food intake for successful weight management.
Clinical implications Inadequate nutrition assessment and underfeeding can be associated with delayed wound healing, deterioration of lean body mass, decreased resistance to infection, and impaired organ function - all of which may contribute to malnutrition, which is associated with longer hospital stays, increased costs, and ultimately quality of patient care. Overfeeding may also have negative effects on patient outcome including fluid overload, hyperglycemia, lipogenesis, and respiratory distress. |
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Metabolism 101 Microlife, Metabolic Fingerprint, MedGem and BodyGem are trademarks of Microlife, Inc. |