Metabolic Health: Why It Matters More Than the Number on the Scale
Metabolic health is about more than weight. Discover how balancing blood sugar, hormones, and energy can improve your long-term wellness—and how Dr. Ariel Brooks at Asklia helps patients in Roanoke achieve it.
When most people think about their health, they focus on their weight. But the truth is, weight is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Metabolic health goes deeper, looking at how your body processes and uses energy—and it’s one of the strongest indicators of long-term wellness.
At Asklia Concierge & Metabolic Medicine, Dr. Ariel Brooks helps patients understand, improve, and sustain their metabolic health through personalized, science-backed care.
What Is Metabolic Health?
Metabolic health refers to how well your body regulates key processes like blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference. When these markers are in balance, your body can efficiently convert food into energy, maintain steady hormone function, and reduce your risk for chronic conditions.
Unfortunately, research shows that most Americans are not metabolically healthy—even if they look “healthy” from the outside.
Why It Matters
Poor metabolic health is linked to:
Higher risk of type 2 diabetes
Heart disease and stroke
Hormonal imbalances
Fatigue and brain fog
Difficulty losing weight or keeping it off
By improving metabolic health, patients often notice better energy, clearer thinking, improved sleep, and more sustainable weight management.
Beyond the Scale
Weight alone doesn’t tell the full story. You can be at a “normal” weight and still have metabolic dysfunction—or carry extra weight but maintain healthy metabolic markers. That’s why at Asklia, weight is considered alongside deeper assessments of lab values, lifestyle, and history.
How Dr. Brooks Approaches Metabolic Health
As an ABIM-certified internist and ABOM-certified obesity medicine specialist, Dr. Brooks combines medical expertise with a compassionate, practical approach. Care plans may include:
Comprehensive metabolic assessments
Personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies
Evidence-based medications when appropriate
Ongoing monitoring and support
Integration with women’s health and hormone care when needed
The Takeaway
Metabolic health is about more than numbers on a scale—it’s about building a foundation for lasting wellness. At Asklia, Dr. Brooks partners with patients to make meaningful, sustainable changes that support both daily energy and long-term health.