What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the work that cells do every day, every minute. There are about 37 million cells in the body, each of which is like a small factory. During movement, a certain amount of calories is burned, but most of it is used as fuel for the continuous functioning of cells and organs.
Metabolic rate
The development of metabolism can be divided into four stages.
- Metabolism reaches its peak in the first year of human life. At this age, a child burns calories 50% faster than an adult.
- From one year to 20 years, the rate decreases by about 3% per year.
- From 20 to 60 years of age, metabolism reaches a plateau, remaining unchanged.
- After 60 years, it gradually slows down — by about 0.7% per year.
Scientific research
Research conducted by Hermann Pontzer suggests that metabolism does not slow down until we reach about 60 years of age.
However, beyond and beyond this age, the body’s capabilities are not limited.
In their work, scientists analyzed metabolic data from 6,421 people from 29 countries, representing a wide range of walks of life. After birth, energy expenditure increased sharply during the first year of life, decreased steadily from 1 to 20 years of age, and remained constant until age 60. There were no differences between men and women. Of course, these data assessed averages.
Energy costs
Energy expenditure varies greatly among individuals depending on many factors. There are genetic and medical aspects that make weight loss more difficult for some people than others.
However, the widely held belief that metabolism declines in your 20s, 30s, and 40s is not true, at least according to this study.
Body capabilities
Of course, the aging process does bring its share of problems into life. However, anyone can get in shape and improve their health at any age.
Whether the goal is weight loss, muscle gain, overall health, strength, endurance, or anything else, we have all the necessary tools at our disposal.