Definition - What does Catabolism mean?
Catabolism is the metabolic process of digestion where the biochemical degradation of ingested food occurs, serving as energy to promote intracellular activity necessary for sustaining life. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a benchmark that measures the proportionate amount of calories from nutrients that influence catabolic breakdown of food into fuel, a key determinant of good health.
SureHire explains Catabolism
Proper diet and nutrition are essential for the body to receive sufficient carbohydrates where catabolism maximizes energy potential by burning off calories that correspond to a person’s fitness level. The interrelationship between catabolism (producing energy) and anabolism (using energy) relies on food intake and the secretion of distinct hormones that can induce weight loss or promote muscle gain. For instance, control group studies highlight a comparative difference between an anabolic diet and a catabolic diet where the cumulative amount of energy in the body coincides with activity levels in determining body composition (fat or muscle mass).
Although catabolism (and anabolism) can serve as a gauge in regulating overall weight, biological and physiological variables including age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle habits can dictate homeostatic functions and processes including blood circulation, hormone balance, and respiration. Depending on people’s health goals, a catabolic exercise regimen is effective for losing fat and building cardiovascular stamina, but muscle mass loss also factors into the equation. The depletion of energy from following a catabolic diet triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone responsible for the decomposition of amino acids to compensate for the lack of carbohydrates.
Workplace health and safety can reflect the general fitness of its workforce when economic setbacks occur due to health care costs, an otherwise controllable aspect to some degree by establishing guidelines for diet and nutrition. While employees have liberty over their food choices, employers can set a precedent by offering healthy food alternatives combined with advocating regular exercise that promotes the release of endorphins that help sustain energy levels and minimize stress. While catabolism is a component of metabolic health, a physician can lay the groundwork in helping patients achieve a healthy weight, which can lower or prevent epidemiological risks including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
