Metabolism

The internal process by which the body expends energy and burns calories.

Metabolism is the process of converting food and nutrients we consume into the energy the body needs to breathe, circulate blood, grow and repair cells and everything else for survival.

It is measured through our basal metabolic rate (BMR) which refers to the number of calories we burn as the body performs basic (basal) life-sustaining functions.

The Process of Metabolism

Catabolism
Anabolism

Catabolism is mainly involved in breaking down large organic molecules into smaller molecules. This process releases energy

Anabolism is mainly involved in building up or synthesizing compounds from simpler substances required by the cells. This metabolic process requires and stores energy

Metabolism is related to nutrition and the existence of nutrients. Bioenergetics described metabolism as the biochemical pathway through which cells obtain energy.

Intake of food

Release of energy

Digestive system

Enzyme action

Storing of energy

As we age, our BMR decreases, resulting in slower metabolism which means we don’t burn as many calories at rest.

Our unused energy is stored in our liver, skeletal muscles and fat cells. With slower metabolism, these sources of energy are not being used up efficiently, resulting in weight gain.

Increasing metabolism is an effective way to help with weight management.

The most effective way to increase metabolic rate is through myofibrillar hypertrophy, the building of muscle and increasing muscle mass.

Muscles require energy at rest. The bigger the muscle, the higher the muscle mass, the faster your metabolism will be.

MORE MUSCLES = FASTER METABOLISM

Muscular Hypertrophy

The process of increasing muscle mass size is known as “muscular hypertrophy”. They can be done via

Myofibrillar hypertrophy
Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy

Myofibrils refer to muscle fibers.

The Science Behind Myofibrillar Hypertrophy

The act of muscle contraction causes trauma and microtears in the individual muscle fibers which signals our body to overcompensate in an attempt to recover, increasing the volume and density of the ‘injured’ myofibrils

This type of hypertrophy results in physiological and performance adaptations, such as increases in muscle size, strength and power

The Science Behind Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy

Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy is more prevalent in bodybuilders with the aim to ‘pump up’, filling the muscles with blood.

Myofibrillar hypertrophy is more advantageous. Larger muscle fibers will adapt to be able to produce greater force, resulting in more strength and speed.

Increased muscle mass will result in faster metabolism as more energy is required to maintain these muscles.

Solutions

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid a yo-yo diet
Aim for slow and gradual weight gain during pregnancy

Treatment

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. Jon Yong has ten years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Having graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the National University of Ireland, he carries a diverse background in surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology.

Dr. Yong served as the Director of Aesthetics for Singapore Medical Group (SMG) from 2014 to 2018 before establishing his practice, Dr. Jon Yong Aesthetic Clinic, in 2018. He actively participates in lectures, seminars, and practical training to keep abreast of the rapidly evolving medical aesthetic industry.

Dr. Jong Yong is committed to his patient’s well-being and has a “less-is-more” philosophy, meaning he will only provide the necessary treatment for each aesthetic concern.

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