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Did you know that only 1 in 8 American adults is metabolically healthy? But what does that really mean, and why should you care? Understanding your metabolic health goes far beyond the numbers on your scale. It's about unlocking more energy, enhancing longevity, and safeguarding your long-term vitality.
What is metabolic health?
Many people equate metabolic health with weight management, assuming that if you’re not overweight, you are metabolically healthy. But metabolic health encompasses much more than just weight.
Metabolic health refers to how efficiently your body processes and uses energy from the food you eat. It impacts key markers like:
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Weight
And ultimately, your energy, resilience, and long-term health.
“When we talk about metabolism, the bottom line is—it’s all about energy production,” says Dr. Joseph Purita, MD, humann Scientific Advisory Board Member and a pioneer in regenerative medicine. This process happens deep within our cells, in the mitochondria—often called the powerhouses of the body.
“These mitochondria produce ATP, the body’s energy currency,” Dr. Purita explains. “But ATP isn’t just for energy. It also acts as a signaling molecule and plays many other critical roles in keeping the body functioning at its best.”
Dr. Yousef Elyaman, MD, IFMCP, and Medical Director at humann, explains, “Metabolic health is how well your body deals with the different processes needed to stay alive. Sometimes people hear ‘metabolism’ and just think it means how fast I can burn fat. Yes, it has something to do with that, but it’s also about how well I build muscle, how well I get rid of toxins, how well I move hormones through different parts of my body.”
In essence, metabolic health affects nearly every system in the body from energy production and hormone regulation to detoxification and cellular repair.
Why is metabolic health important?
When your metabolism is working efficiently, your body runs like a well-oiled machine producing steady energy, supporting faster recovery, and lowering your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Think of it as your body’s engine operating smoothly, without unnecessary strain or breakdowns.
“A well-functioning metabolic system means better energy levels, improved muscle recovery, and overall resilience,” says Dr. Purita. “When you can burn energy more efficiently, you're going to be able to do more things. You're not going to get tired as quickly. Your muscles aren't going to ache.”
Metabolic health also plays a powerful role in how you age. “AMP kinase is an enzyme that’s essential for good metabolic health. It helps break down fat. It supports longevity,” explains Dr. Elyaman. “If nitric oxide is the miracle molecule, then AMPK is the miracle enzyme. It’s vital to overall health and aging well.”
What's the link between metabolic and cardiovascular health?
Metabolic health doesn’t operate in isolation. It’s deeply intertwined with your cardiovascular system. Together, they form the foundation of cardiometabolic health: a more comprehensive view of how your body creates and delivers energy, manages inflammation, and supports overall vitality.
"Is there a difference between cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health? Absolutely,” says Dr. Purita. “One is more encompassing than the other. Think of it like this: the cardiovascular system is the trucking system, and the metabolic system is the factory that produces the product. They have to live in symbiosis."
In other words, even if your heart and blood vessels are in good shape, poor metabolic function can still impact your overall health and vice versa.
"The cardiovascular system brings all of those nutrients to every cell in the body,” adds Dr. Elyaman. “And as cells do their work, they create toxic byproducts. Those byproducts need a superb cardiovascular system to be efficiently removed without damaging the body."
It's why Dr. Elyaman encourages people to rethink how they view cardiovascular health.
“For too long, we’ve measured heart health by how you feel or what your basic labs say. But in reality, the cardiovascular system connects every cell in the body. If it’s working optimally, symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog may actually improve. We should be thinking of cardiovascular health not just as a number, but as a marker of vitality.”
When your cardiovascular and metabolic systems are aligned, your body runs more efficiently, and you feel the difference in your energy, recovery, and day-to-day resilience.
What happens when metabolic health declines?
When metabolic health starts to break down, it can lead to a chain reaction of problems like insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. These issues can speed up aging and significantly increase the risk of chronic diseases. In fact, a study published by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2023 found that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is notably high with 41.8% of U.S. adults affected.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated blood sugar
- Excess abdominal fat
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
This condition is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Purita compares insulin resistance to a sluggish delivery system. “You’ve got the trucks, but they’re not really efficient,” says Purita. “It’s like having a truck that’s kind of broken down and can’t get over 10 miles an hour.”
When insulin isn’t working properly, your body has a harder time managing blood sugar. Over time, this can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic conditions.
What do doctors recommend for supporting your metabolic health?
Both Dr. Purita and Dr. Elyaman agree that maintaining metabolic health requires a combination of lifestyle habits and targeted supplementation:
Exercise
Exercise helps your metabolism run smoothly by boosting energy use, supporting blood sugar balance, and helping your body use fuel more efficiently.
Nutrition
Good nutrition fuels a healthy metabolism by activating AMPK, a key cellular switch that helps your body burn energy, manage blood sugar, and support overall metabolic balance.
Quality Sleep
Poor sleep can increase inflammation and raise your risk for blood sugar issues and heart health concerns. Proper rest helps regulate the hormones that control hunger, energy use, and blood sugar, giving your body the reset it needs to function at its best.
Targeted Supplements
"One of my go-to supplements is berberine," Dr. Purita states. "It stimulates the AMPK pathway, which acts like the body's fuel gauge, sensing how much glucose is needed and where it should go."
The takeaway
Metabolic health is more than just weight management. It’s about how efficiently your body produces and utilizes energy. It impacts everything from muscle function to cardiovascular health to longevity.
By making small, intentional changes, such as improving your diet, staying active, and incorporating targeted supplementation, you can optimize your metabolic function and support better overall health.
“Does healthy living start with metabolic support? Absolutely,” says Dr. Purita. “You need to have energy and you need to get that energy transported around the body. Without that, you're not going to do very well.”