NUTRITION AUTHOR
Kati Epps
GENES AND GREENS
fuel daily bodily functions. From breathing to walking, the human body has a certain energy requirement, which is individual to each person. To understand metabolism and how it works, you can look at it from a genetic perspective. Each person’s predisposition, or how their genes are inclined to act, tells a story about what the body is likely to do. For example, if your genes say you have a predisposition to having a below-average metabolism, it just means your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is lower than a person with a normal or above-average metabolism. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) makes up 70% of daily calorie burn for people with a sedentary lifestyle. RMR is dependent on gender, body composition, size and age. You can influence your resting metabolic rate with nutrition and exercise. If you can manipulate how many calories are burned at rest per day, your body’s overall calorie consumption will determine how quickly body fat can be utilized for energy, resulting in more efficient weight loss. First, it’s important to know an individual’s RMR. The most accurate way to get that number is to have it tested in a lab. If testing isn’t available, it’s possible
n Nature versus nurture is an ongoing
debate, but did you know your genes have an impact on the way you process food?
G
enetics is the answer to many questions about how a body looks and functions. Understanding your body’s genetic predisposition gives great insight into how to work with your body to reach your desired goals. Have you heard people discuss their ability to lose or hold body fat based on their metabolism? This boils down to how their genetics respond to diet and exercise in terms of burning fat. Your metabolism is made up of the chemical reactions that occur in the body when food is used to
JULY 2022
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