To ensure the full function of all organs, the body depends on the external energy supply. Here, a differentiation is made between basal metabolic rate and power metabolic rate. Together, this results in the total metabolic rate, which also plays a role in the reduction of body weight.
What is the total metabolic rate?
Basal metabolic rate represents the energy required to supply all bodily structures with energy. This is initially used to maintain the function of organs. It is the basic energy to ensure functions at rest. The power metabolic rate includes the demand that arises from physical activity. This includes not only sports, but already any activity of arms and legs. The total metabolic rate consists of the basal metabolic rate and the power metabolic rate. Thus, it is about the daily necessary energy for the maintenance of bodily functions and the guarantee of all movements. The total metabolic rate varies due to various factors such as age and gender. On average, men consume more energy than women, although this varies from person to person, because they usually have a higher proportion of muscle. Age also plays a role. As life progresses, the human body requires less energy because muscle breakdown occurs. The cells also become more inactive. In general, a higher total metabolic rate can be observed in people with above-average muscular development. This is also noticeable away from the training and can thus be helpful in the context of a planned weight reduction.
Function and task
The body needs energy not only during running or other activities, but in any activity. The various functions of the organs also run smoothly due to the added energy. In addition, important factors that influence the basal metabolic rate are height and weight. Above all, the ratio of muscle and fat ultimately determines the level of the basal metabolic rate. Basal metabolic rate is measured within a constant environment where there is no change in temperature. The basal metabolic rate enables important bodily processes to keep people alive. This includes, for example, breathing, metabolism, circulation and regulation of body temperature. Only through the basal metabolic rate does the heart regularly pump blood through the veins and gas exchange in the lungs can take place. If the energy intake is below the basal metabolic rate for a longer period of time, starvation metabolism occurs first. If more calories are nevertheless not consumed, organs can be damaged or lose their function. The power metabolism includes any energy that must be expended for physical exertion. This already includes getting out of bed in the morning or tying shoes. The power metabolism thus makes all movements possible. Accordingly, the measurement of the total metabolic rate serves to indicate the necessary energy that the body needs, on the one hand, during the resting phase and, on the other hand, for physical activities. Although tips can often be found in the diet industry which are supposed to increase the basal metabolic rate, scientists assume that the total metabolic rate can only be influenced by an increased muscle build-up. In order to reduce weight, the food consumed should have less energy in its sum than the body needs for organs and movement. Accordingly, it is necessary to either switch to a lower-calorie diet or to exercise more overall. Those who consume more energy than their total metabolic rate will gain weight. As a rule, children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 have the greatest total metabolic rate. This is when the greatest physical changes take place, such as growth in height, which require increased energy. The situation is similar for nursing mothers. Here, an additional energy intake of 600 calories per day is expected.
Diseases and ailments
The total metabolic rate may be disturbed. For example, some hormonal complaints lead to the fact that the basal metabolic rate is significantly reduced or increased. Especially often, a disease of the thyroid gland is behind such a phenomenon. A distinction is made between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In the case of hypothyroidism, there is often an inflammation of the gland. In the further course, the body forms antibodies to kill the supposed invaders.Instead, however, the immune system targets its own physical structures, and parts of the thyroid gland die. If the thyroid gland does not have fully functional tissue, it produces less thyroid hormones, which intervene in the metabolism. Hypothyroidism is manifested by weight gain, frequent freezing, hair loss and sleep disturbances. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces more hormones than is actually necessary. Those affected suffer from a very fast metabolism, increased sweating and palpitations. However, both conditions can be treated well nowadays. Often, taking tablets is already sufficient. In addition, the overall metabolic rate may have been affected by PCO. PCO is noticeable in women and is initially defined primarily by an increased level of male hormones. In addition, affected individuals sometimes have irregular cycles and a lack of ovulation, which can result in unwanted childlessness. An unexplained increase or decrease in body weight should always be checked by a doctor. Sometimes the total turnover may be disturbed due to some ailments, resulting in further manifestations.
Complications
Total turnover itself does not usually cause complications or discomfort. It represents a common feature of the human body, which needs energy even without any special activity so that all organs can function properly. However, complications can arise if the total metabolic rate changes for no particular reason. In this case, an increased total metabolic rate can lead to underweight if the person does not consume enough food. Underweight represents a very unhealthy condition for the body and, in the worst case, can lead to damage of various organs or even death. Likewise, a proper total metabolic rate is important for building muscles. If this is not achieved or is too low, they cannot be built up. If the person takes in more energy than he needs, this behavior usually leads to overweight and obesity. This condition is also very unhealthy and in the worst case can lead to a heart attack. Especially in the case of children, parents must pay attention to a balanced overall metabolism, so that there are no disturbances in development or growth.
