- The metabolic rate is a measure of the speed of metabolism. Some organisms vary their metabolic rates depending on their needs. For instance, hibernating animals and bacterial spores have slowed their metabolic rates in order to survive periods of food scarcity.
- Metabolic rate can be increased by exercise, a fever, a full stomach, and the action of the hormones insulin, epinephrine, and thyroxine. This is why hormone imbalances can contribute to weight gain or loss and why losing unwanted weight is easier with regular exercise.
- Basal metabolism is the metabolic rate during complete rest. This is measured in individuals with metabolic disorders in order to determine the relative effects of various treatments.
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