“I’m putting on weight because my metabolism is slowing down.”
It is something many of us hear, or maybe even say ourselves, fairly regularly.
Or the contrary: “So-and-so can eat what they like because they have a fast metabolism.”
The truth is, for many, we might have a vague idea of what our metabolism is, but do we really understand it?
Beyond these casual remarks, do we truly grasp the intricacies of what our metabolism is and does?
Do we genuinely comprehend the profound impact our lifestyles can have on this vital bodily process?
In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of metabolism, delving deep into its inner workings.
We explore the mechanisms that define metabolism, shed light on how the foods we consume can influence its functioning, and uncover the key steps we can all take to promote and maintain a well-functioning metabolism.
Professor Alexandra Johnstone, Nutrition Scientist, The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen
Professor Johnstone is recognised as a leading innovative UK researcher within the field of human appetite control and specifically, the role of dietary protein.
Since completing her PhD in 2002, her extensive publication record (>60 peer reviewed publications with a total of 3,839 citations, of which 2,659 since 2010) and excellent track record in funding from RCUK and EU funding bodies has placed her in a position where she has influenced food choice in the UK through collaboration with the food industry and mhery ongoing knowledge-transfer activities.
Between 2009-2015 Professor Johnstone was a work package lead for EU-funded NeuroFAST (Neurobiology of food addiction and stress), SATIN (Satiety Innovation) and Full4Health (food-gut-brain across the lifecourse).
Dylan Thompson, Professor of Human Physiology, the Department for Health, the University of Bath
Professor Thompson is internationally recognised for his research in physical activity, exercise and nutrition. Recent and ongoing research projects include, (1) a BBSRC-funded project in partnership with the European Space Agency examining the impact of bed rest and a nutritional ‘countermeasure’ on adipose tissue function, (2) an MRC-funded project examining the impact of exercise and weight loss on metabolism, including the gut microbiota, (3) a BBSRC-funded project examining whether exercise helps to mobilise vitamin D from adipose tissue and (4) an NIHR funded project examining whether an intensive exercise and dietary intervention can reverse Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Professor Thompson has authored over 100 original articles and various reviews. He has held editorial roles with several academic journals and he has served on grant panels in the UK (e.g., BBSRC, MRC) and internationally (e.g., Finland, Norway).
He was an expert member for the Chief Medical Officer’s 2019 update to UK physical activity guidelines and he was a member of panel C24 in REF2021. He is a Fellow of The Physiological Society and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
