Metabolism is the process in which our bodies convert fuel from the food we eat into energy. The body will either use this fuel immediately or store it in the tissues of the liver or muscles as glycogen or other parts of the body as fat.
The metabolic process involves combining the calories in food with oxygen to produce the energy needed to help the body function optimally. The number of calories your body utilizes to carry out basic functions such as moving, growing and cell repair is known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR).
It is essential that you maintain a healthy BMR. Fluctuations or abnormalities of the basal metabolic rate can result in weight gain, fatigue, endocrine and immune dysfunction.
The first step in maintaining a healthy BMR is to find out what your numbers are. Basic metabolic rate is usually determined by using one of two formulas:
Men: BMR = 88.362 + (6.251 x weight in lbs) + (12.189 x height in inches) – (5.677 x age in years)
Women: BMR = 447.593 + (4.203 x weight in lbs) + (7.869 x height in inches) – (4.330 x age in years)
It is highly recommended that you obtain accurate numbers from a certified fitness professional, a registered dietitian or your physician.
According to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Registered Dietitian, Lindsay Chetelat, “Your next steps to maintaining a healthy BMR include applying long-term lifestyle changes.” Some of these changes are:
- Eating a healthy breakfast every morning
- Exercising – Cardio with strength training
- Including sources of lean protein at all meals
- Eating regularly- Chetelat advises eating small and nutritious meals every three to four hour
- Eating enough- Eating less than 1200 calories per day can actually cause your metabolism to slow down.
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Nutritional Services Department assists patients to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. An appointment with a Registered Dietitian consists of a comprehensive nutrition assessment, nutrition education, behavior modification counseling and goal setting. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7056.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.