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Metabolic Adaptability

Meaning

Metabolic Adaptability, also known as metabolic flexibility, is the physiological capacity of the organism to efficiently shift between utilizing different macronutrient substrates, primarily glucose and fatty acids, for energy production in response to changes in nutrient availability or energy demand. A high degree of adaptability is a hallmark of metabolic health, signifying robust insulin sensitivity, efficient mitochondrial function, and hormonal responsiveness. Impaired adaptability, often seen as an inability to utilize fat effectively, is a precursor to insulin resistance and chronic metabolic disease.