Good Mood, Better Metabolism

These two seemingly disparate things are connected in surprising ways, new science reveals. And boosting one will help kick the other up a notch. Here’s how it works.

A fast metabolism, a happy outlook – these are two things we can all agree are worth chasing. And now, scientists are realising that going after one may naturally deliver both.

What we know for sure: The key to this connection is the hunger hormone leptin, which tells your brain that you feel full. “Leptin impacts not only your food intake, but your mood as well,” says Paul Burghardt, an assistant professor of nutrition and food science at Wayne State University in Detroit. This is partly because of the hormone’s relationship with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls happiness and motivation. Generally, when leptin levels dip, the release of dopamine increases, says Stephanie Fulton, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Montreal. That’s when one’s mood starts to rise.

The following five strategies will help deliver a happy mind body balance.

Exercise early