Many people think about metabolism like a dial that can be easily tweaked for specific results: fast or slow, high or low.
But it’s more complex, affects many biological systems, and shapes how well the body ages. Metabolism needs to be thought of in ways beyond “calorie burn” and “weight loss,” and considered as a multi-layered system that impacts various aspects of health, including healthspan and musculoskeletal health.
How the metabolic system creates an energy loop
Metabolism is the sum of reactions that turn what you eat and drink into energy. It involves all of the chemical reactions that occur inside cells to generate energy, then puts that energy to use, and stores what's left in the correct places for future use.
Here’s what is happening in the four interconnected steps:
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Energy intake: Before your body puts it to use, food gets broken down into its core components — carbs, fats, and proteins — so nutrients can enter your cells. It’s not only what you eat, but when you eat that can also shape how smoothly the system runs.
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Energy conversion: Once nutrients are in the cell, they can be converted into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria.
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Energy expenditure: ATP is an energy-carrying molecule that fuels biological processes, from muscle contractions to neurological processes to immune defense. The better your body is at using this fuel, the better your body will be at maintaining health overall, including building strength, bouncing back from an illness, and becoming more resilient overall. Energy expenditure also relates to the concept of “fast versus slow” metabolism.
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Energy storage: When energy isn't used, it gets stored as glycogen or fat instead, which can feel like one’s energy system (or calorie-burning capabilities) has slowed down. But it's less about the speed those stores are used up and more about balance. Metabolic health depends not only on how much energy is stored, but also on how effectively the body can access, use, and regulate those energy stores.
A healthy microbiome helps create the foundation for efficient metabolic processes
Just like most biological processes, that energy loop doesn’t run in isolation. The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in metabolic functioning. You’ve probably heard — or experienced — that metabolism slows as one ages, but part of that reduced energy efficiency could potentially be due to changes in the microbiome. The gut microbiome may change with age, which could increase the risk of metabolic disorders and low-grade inflammation.¹
Gut microbial diversity naturally changes throughout life. With aging, good gut bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria could decline while higher levels of pathogens and harmful bacteria associated with inflammation and insulin resistance can increase. Those conditions can make blood sugar regulation and muscle preservation more challenging in middle age and beyond.¹
Strengthening the body starts from within
Making gains in your overall strength and coming down with fewer illnesses are some downstream indicators that internal systems are functioning well. A healthy microbiome with diverse gut microbiota can positively impact skeletal muscle, and healthy muscle function can aid in metabolic health outcomes. Skeletal muscle is responsible for the majority of glucose uptake after meals, so building muscle and staying active helps the body regulate blood sugar — ensuring energy stores are used efficiently.
Emerging research shows that gut microbiota can affect muscle mass and overall function.² That’s why “feeding” muscles through a healthy microbiome shaped by a balanced diet and the right supplements can help build a healthy musculoskeletal system as you age.
The metabolism and muscle health connection
Metabolic health isn’t something to “fix” and try to “speed up” for improvements you can see and feel; it’s a complex system that plays a big role in how we use fuel, become more resilient, and age well. Muscle health is interconnected with this system through the gut-muscle connection and must be supported with a 360-approach. Support muscle health by building a healthy gut with Spindle Muscle+ powered by Akkermansia MYO™, a targeted daily postbiotic designed to optimize the communication that helps build muscle strength.
REFERENCES
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Kanimozhi N V, Sukumar M, Aging through the lens of the gut microbiome: Challenges and therapeutic opportunities, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus, Volume 2, Issue 2, 2025, 100142, ISSN 2950-3078,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100142.
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Chew W, Lim YP, Lim WS, Chambers ES, Frost G, Wong SH, Ali Y. Gut-muscle crosstalk. A perspective on influence of microbes on muscle function. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Jan 9;9:1065365. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1065365. PMID: 36698827; PMCID: PMC9868714.
