What happens to the body when it is sick in terms of metabolism?

When the body is sick, it typically enters a catabolic state, which means it starts to break down its own tissues for energy rather than building them up. This shift occurs because the body needs additional energy to fight off illness, and breaking down fat stores and muscle protein provides the necessary fuel. During this process, muscle metabolism does not increase as the body prioritizes using available energy for immune function rather than for building or repairing muscle tissue.

In a catabolic state, the body may also see a decrease in fat metabolism efficiency as it seeks immediate energy sources. This can lead to weight loss and muscle wasting if the illness persists for an extended period. Catabolism is generally a response to stressors such as infection or disease, which require the body to mobilize resources quickly to address the underlying issues. Thus, the statement that the body becomes catabolic and fat metabolism decreases accurately captures the metabolic changes that occur during illness.