You know that friend.
The one who orders dessert, never counts calories, eats pizza at midnight, and somehow never gains a pound. Meanwhile, you think about carbs and feel like you’ve gained weight.
It’s maddening. It seems unfair.
Here’s the truth: It’s not in your head. Their metabolism genuinely works differently than yours — and science can explain exactly why.
Your Body’s Engine Runs at Different Speeds
Not all cars get the same gas mileage. Not all bodies burn calories the same way.
Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) — the calories you burn just existing — can vary by 20-30% between people of the same size and age. That’s 400-600 calories daily without anyone moving a muscle.
Translation? Someone burns a full meal’s worth of extra calories just sitting on the couch.
But it gets wilder.
The Fidgeting Factor
Ever notice some people can’t sit still? They pace during phone calls. Tap their feet. Gesture constantly. Shift positions every two minutes.
That’s called NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) — and these unconscious movements can burn 350-800 extra calories daily.
That’s like running 5 miles without ever going to the gym.
Some bodies are naturally wired to move more. Others aren’t. Neither is “better” — they’re just different starting points.
How Your Body Handles Carbs
When you eat bread, pasta, or rice, your body releases insulin to process the glucose.
Insulin-sensitive people: Their bodies process carbs efficiently. Glucose gets used for energy, not stored as fat.
Insulin-resistant people: Their bodies struggle. More of those calories get stored instead of burned.
The frustrating part? This isn’t always genetic — it can change based on your lifestyle, sleep, stress, and activity level.
The hopeful part? Insulin sensitivity can be improved. Which means everyone has leverage here.
Genetics, Thyroid, and the Gut
Some people won the genetic lottery:
- Variations in the FTO gene affect hunger signals. Some brains say “I’m full” sooner than others.
- Thyroid function controls your metabolism’s speed. An underactive thyroid slows everything down.
- Brown fat — special tissue that burns calories to generate heat — varies wildly between people.
And here’s a wild one: your gut bacteria determine how many calories you extract from food. Two people eating the exact same meal might absorb different amounts of energy from it.
Your body is unique. Genuinely.
What You Can Actually Do About It
Stop comparing yourself to that friend. You can’t change your starting metabolism — but you can optimize it.
Build muscle. More muscle = higher baseline calorie burn. Strength training matters.
Move more naturally. Take calls while walking. Use stairs. Park farther away. Increase your personal NEAT.
Improve insulin sensitivity. Lift weights. Eat more fiber. Sleep better. All of these help your body process food more efficiently.
Focus on how you feel. Energy levels, bloodwork, strength — these matter more than the number on a scale.
Your goal isn’t becoming someone else. It’s working with your body, not against it.
When to Get Help
See a doctor if you experience:
- Sudden unexplained weight changes (in either direction)
- Constant fatigue despite eating well
- Family history of diabetes or thyroid issues
Or if you simply want to understand how your metabolism actually works.
Understanding Your Unique Body
SDDM Hospital’s Diabetology and Internal Medicine departments offer comprehensive metabolic testing — thyroid panels, insulin sensitivity assessments, and complete metabolic profiles.
Curious about your body’s blueprint? Understanding your metabolism helps you make better decisions for your health.
For consultations: +91-191-2464637
