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Metabolic Throttle

Meaning

The Metabolic Throttle is a physiological concept describing the acute and chronic regulation of the overall rate of cellular energy expenditure, substrate utilization preference, and mitochondrial activity in response to environmental and internal cues. This “throttle” can be upregulated to increase metabolism, promoting energy utilization and heat production, or intentionally downregulated to conserve energy, often slowing basal metabolic rate and favoring energy storage. Its precise setting is a critical determinant of body composition, thermal regulation, and overall systemic energy balance.