Metabolism & Menopause
What’s up GLP! Coach Kari here with just the facts. Let’s get right to it!
Metabolism is the sum total of biochemical reactions that occur in the body to sustain life.
Metabolic Rate is how fast these processes - life-sustaining biochemical reactions - occur.
Metabolic Health is how well and effectively the body uses energy and nutrients. It includes..
Energy Expenditure is how many calories we burn staying alive (this includes physical activity).
Energy Intake is how many calories we consume.
Energy Balance is the balance of calories we consume and calories we expend.
Menopause occurs as we age, and with it we experience hormonal shifts, alongside other physical changes in the body.
We know that our Metabolic Rate is not influenced by aging and the changes that come with it, until about age 60.
Conversely, our Metabolic Health is influenced by the hormonal shifts we experience with aging. This is because hormones regulate how our body uses energy and nutrients. Thus we see the following changes..
Energy Homeostasis (energy balance)
Thermogenesis (body heat production)
Insulin sensitivity
Glucose Metabolism (breakdown of sugar, carbohydrates, etc.)
Lipogenesis (synthesis of fatty acids)
Lipolysis (use of body fat for energy).
While we can’t reverse the aging process, we can improve Metabolic Health through other means. Lifestyle habits can improve your Metabolic Health, this includes good nutrition, regular exercise, sleep and stress management.
Ask a GLP Coach for more information on this topic, or to get started on making changes to your current lifestyle habits!
