Your metabolism refers to the millions of chemical processes that keep your body alive and functioning.

It is related to weight because it influences the amount of energy your body needs at any given point. Take in more energy than you need, and the excess will be stored as fat.

Nonetheless many people are quick to blame a “slow metabolism” for their weight gain, when in fact they need to make better food choices and exercise choices.

The biggest component of your metabolism – accounting for 50 to 80 per cent of the energy used each day – is your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the energy your body burns just to maintain functioning at rest.

(Other influences include how much physical activity you do, and the ‘thermic effect’ of the food you eat – that is energy you use to digest and absorb your food.)

While there are…