Listen to Why Your Metabolism Isn’t Just About Digestion

Why can one person demolish a pack of biscuits without gaining a pound, while another just looks at one and feels it? The answer isn’t willpower—it’s biology.

In this episode, Mel Harris & Shaw Somers unpack the hidden “universe” of metabolism, revealing how your brain, muscles, and even your evolutionary past shape the way you burn energy. Challenge the tired “calories in, calories out” myth and explore why strict dieting can backfire—triggering survival mechanisms that stall fat loss.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Metabolism is the total energy required to keep your “living machine” functioning, even when resting on “standby” mode.

Identical twins can absorb different calorie amounts from the same meal due to variations in gut microbiome and digestive efficiency.

The brain is an energy-hungry supercomputer, consuming roughly a quarter of your body’s total energy supply.

Strict dieting often backfires because the body perceives a famine and naturally lowers its metabolic rate to protect fat stores.

To keep the weight off effectively, most people need a balanced intake between 1500 and 2000 calories to keep organs functioning.

QUOTES

“The reason they’re not losing weight is because they’re not eating enough.”

“Your brain takes up about a quarter of your body’s energy because it’s very energy hungry.”

“I can eat the same biscuit as somebody else. But I can absorb more calories from that biscuit than the person next to me.”

“If you start with yourself, go on a strict diet, your metabolism naturally will switch out to stop you losing too much weight.”

“We are the ones who were slightly chubby… it’s a survival advantage if a famine is coming.”

Dr Shaw Somers Information https://www.instagram.com/mrshawsomers/ https://www.shawsomers.com/

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HOST BIO

Mel Harris is a weight loss mentor, podcast host, and founder of KIO Method Ltd, specialising in long-term weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery and weight loss injections. After losing nearly 15 stone (90kg) following weight loss surgery in 2004, Mel has spent over 20 years navigating the realities of keeping weight off.

With lived experience of bariatric surgery, weight regain, GLP-1 medications, and metabolic health challenges, Mel is on a mission to close the gap between losing weight and keeping it off for life. Through honest, compassionate conversations, she cuts through misinformation, diet culture, and shame — offering real support, insight, and zero judgement.