Losing weight is often reduced to  the concept of “calories in – calories out”. But this is an over-simplification of the challenge that many people face when trying to lose weight.

If you’re looking to lose weight, altering your diet and getting more exercise are important steps in the process. But how we put on and lose weight is hugely influenced by our metabolic health too, so we can support these changes by improving the way our body’s metabolism works.

First, a healthy metabolism encourages our body to burn up more of the energy in our food rather than storing it as body fat, reducing our body’s propensity to lay down more new fat. (1) 

On top of this, a healthy metabolism supports the ‘browning’ of existing body fat. While ‘white fat’ is simply a passive store of energy, so-called ‘brown fat’ actively burns fat to produce energy, helping us to shift any excess reserves of body fat we might already be carrying. (2)

Finally, a healthy metabolism can support and make lifestyle changes easier through improving the effectiveness of a hormone called leptin, which is responsible for regulating appetite. This can keep us feeling fuller for longer and reduce food cravings, making it easier to eat a healthier diet that supports our goal of reaching our target weight. (3)