Metabolism

Definition

Metabolism refers to all chemical reactions involved in maintaining the living state of cells and organisms. It's essentially your body's method of converting food into energy needed for bodily functions.

Related terms

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The rate at which your body uses energy when at rest to keep vital functions going such as breathing and keeping warm.

Catabolism: The breakdown process where your metabolism converts food into simpler substances, releasing energy.

Anabolism: The constructive part where smaller molecules are built up into larger ones, storing energy in the process.