How to Burn Calories

Common belief holds that a slim person's metabolism is high and an overweight person's metabolism is low. But this isn't usually the case. Weight isn't necessarily directly linked to metabolism. Instead, weight is dependent on the balance of total calories consumed versus total calories burned. Take in more calories than your body needs, and you gain weight. Take in less and you lose weight. Metabolism, then, is the engine that burns these calories. Metabolism: Converting food into energy Stated simply, metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. During this complex biochemical process, calories - from carbohydrates, fats and proteins - are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function. Food processing. Digesting, transporting and storing food you consume takes calories. This accounts for about 10 percent of the calories used each day. For the most part, your body's energy requirement to process food stays relatively steady and isn't easily changed. Physical activity. Physical activity - such as playing tennis, walking to the store, chasing after the dog and any other movement - accounts for the remainder of calories used. You control the number of calories burned depending on the frequency and duration.