What’s All the Buzz About Metabolic Health?

Cancer, Integrative Nutrition, Low-Carb, Metabolic, Oncology Nutrition

And What Is Metabolic Health, Anyway??

Metabolic health has become something of a new buzz phrase, especially in natural and functional health circles.

As a nutrition consultant who swims in the metabolic health waters daily, I LOVE the phrase. Once understood, it explains so much about health and dis-ease in the body. It is the true unifying theory of both wellness and disease.

When I recently told a friend that I help people improve their metabolic health, he looked at me and said, “I have no idea what that means. What is metabolic health?”

That was a good challenge for me, and I have been exploring ways to explain the importance of sound metabolic health to people. I’ll begin with a metaphor:

Think of your body like a garden. If a garden has good, nutrient dense soil, water, sunlight, and regular care, it thrives: it grows strong plants, produces nourishing food, and resists pests. But if it’s ignored, weeds creep in, the soil dries out, and over time the plants struggle to survive. If it doesn’t get sunlight, the plants won’t grow, and if it is sprayed with toxins, the food it produces is less nourishing.

Your metabolic health works the same way. It’s the foundation that helps your body process energy, balance blood sugar, regulate cholesterol and blood pressure, and keep inflammation low.

When it’s well cared for, you feel energized, clear-headed, and resilient. When it’s neglected, problems begin to grow quietly, and eventually they can lead to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, autoimmune disease, arthritis, and dementia.

Our body gives us clues before the diagnosis of more serious disease: achy joints, brain fog, headaches, fatigue not explained by exertion and physical work, apathy, pain, etc.

The hopeful part is that, just like with a garden, small consistent care makes all the difference. Choosing nourishing foods, moving your body, getting good sleep, exposing your body to sunlight, and managing stress are like watering, weeding, and tending the soil. With steady attention, your body can flourish.

Why Metabolic Health Matters (Beyond the Buzzword)

1. It’s measurable

  • Metabolic health isn’t vague—it’s defined by things like blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, waist size, triglycerides, and insulin sensitivity. I consider these important markers, and more, when accessing my client’s metabolic health.

Test, Address, Access: Don’t Guess!

This data can giveus a clearer picture of how the body is functioning under the surface.

2. It’s the root of many conditions

  • Poor metabolic health is the common thread behind type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia, fatty liver, most cancers (90-95%), autoimmune diseases, etc.
  • Instead of treating each disease separately, we can strengthen the foundation that prevents them all. I find this very hopeful and empowering!

3. It affects everyday life

  • It’s not just about future risk. When metabolic health is off, people often feel tired, foggy, inflamed, and struggle with cravings or weight gain.
  • When it’s strong, you feel energized, clear, and resilient day to day.

4. It’s surprisingly rare

  • Studies show only about 12% of U.S. adults are metabolically healthy. (As measured by the metabolic health markers above.) That means almost 9 out of 10 people have some imbalance they could improve. (1)
  • This makes it a critical public health issue, not just a wellness trend.

5. It’s changeable

  • The hopeful news: you’re not “stuck” with poor metabolic health.
  • Daily habits—eating real food, moving your body, sleeping well, and managing stress, exposure to sunlight—make a measurable difference.

6. It empowers people

  • Instead of focusing on disease labels, the concept of metabolic health shifts the conversation to:
    “How can I build a stronger foundation for my body?”
  • It gives people ownership and tools to improve their health naturally.

So, metabolic health is more than a new health buzzword—It’s the foundation of how your body runs. It’s measurable, it affects how you feel every day, and the best part is, it’s something you can improve

I believe that as we improve our metabolic health, we improve our human experience. That has been my own experience, and the experience of many of my clients.

Have you been hearing the phrase metabolic health in your circles or as you read about health online?

(1) The “12 % metabolically healthy” statistic mostly traces back to a study by Joana Araújo, Jianwen Cai, and June Stevens, which analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2009–2016.

Araújo J, Cai J, Stevens J. Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2019 Feb;17(1):46-52. doi: 10.1089/met.2018.0105. Epub 2018 Nov 27. PMID: 30484738.

Nutrition Consulting is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure for any disease, and is not intended as a substitute for regular medical care. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition.