What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the collection of processes that convert what you eat into energy, store the extra and build what your body needs. It includes how you burn carbohydrates and fats, how your brain senses hunger and fullness, and how fat tissue sends hormonal messages. Muscles, liver, fat and brain all take part, constantly balancing energy coming in with energy going out.
How your genes play a role
Genes influence many of these signals. Some shape appetite circuits in the brain. Others guide how fat cells grow, how fat is moved into cells to be burned, or how the liver senses glucose. Each variant tends to have a small effect, and they interact with your meals, sleep, movement and age in ways that make metabolism highly personal.
People often feel that their metabolism works differently from others, and in part that can be true. Understanding your genetic tendencies may help you see why some approaches to eating or activity suit you better than others. It can also replace frustration with curiosity. Instead of following a generic plan, you and your clinician can consider your body's likely preferences and build habits that feel sustainable.
What your report shows
Your Metabolism results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Appetite signalingVariants in brain pathways that help regulate hunger and fullness.
- Fat burningHow your genes may influence the way your cells use fat for fuel.
- Fat tissue hormonesGenes linked to leptin and adiponectin, messengers made by fat tissue.
- Glucose sensingVariants that shape how your liver and pancreas respond to sugar.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| MC4R | Encodes a brain receptor that helps balance appetite and… | Typical |
| POMC | Makes a precursor protein that is cut into hormones… | Moderate effect |
| LEP | Produces leptin, a hormone made by fat tissue that… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| MC4R | Encodes a brain receptor that helps balance appetite and energy use. |
| POMC | Makes a precursor protein that is cut into hormones which signal fullness to the brain. |
| LEP | Produces leptin, a hormone made by fat tissue that tells the brain about your energy stores. |
| CPT1A | Helps carry fatty acids into mitochondria, where they can be burned for energy. |
| PPARG | Guides the development of fat cells and plays a role in how your body responds to insulin. |
Full panel: 13 genes
MC4R, AGRP, POMC, LEPR, LEP, ADIPOQ, PLIN, CPT1A, APOB, GCK, SREBF1, PPARA, PPARG
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Many people discuss pairing protein, fiber and healthy fats to support steady energy.
Building muscle is often explored as a way to support a healthy metabolism over time.
Sleep is closely linked to appetite hormones and how the body manages energy.
Some people find that steady meal times help them notice hunger and fullness more clearly.
Questions
Is a slow metabolism purely genetic?
No. Genes play a part, but muscle mass, age, activity, sleep and hormones also influence how your body uses energy.
Can my results tell me what diet to follow?
They can offer context about tendencies, but they are not a prescription. A clinician or dietitian can help you turn insights into a plan that fits you.
Do metabolism genes change over time?
Your DNA sequence stays the same, but how genes are used can shift with age, habits and environment.
Only interested in this area? The Metabolic Health Score Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
