0 Definition of Metabolism

Metabolism defines the set of coupled reactions occurring in the cells of the body. It consists of two opposing mechanisms:

catabolism: it extracts energy from nutrients by degradation of energetic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids ...);
anabolism: it allows to synthesize the components necessary for the structure and functioning of cells.
It also opposes the basal metabolism metabolism activity.

The basal metabolic

Basal metabolism is the set of reactions that keep the body alive and are incompressible. It ensures breathing, heart beat, brain food, body temperature, digestion ...

The basal metabolic rate depends on many factors:

size;
weight;
age;
sex ...
It is usually located around 1200-2000 calories per day to be supplied in the diet. The extra kilocalories consumed is then stored or must be removed by physical activity. In case of nutrient deficiency (too strict diet), basal metabolism changes. He learns to use less and store more, resulting in a higher weight gain at the end of the regime.

The metabolism activity

The metabolism activity corresponds to the increase of energy consumption, necessary for the proper functioning of the body during exercise. Additional energy is actually consumed by the working muscles, but this energy depends on the degree of activity.