Final answer:
Individuals with a poor metabolism phenotype may have conditions such as hypothyroidism affecting their metabolic rate. Genetic predispositions and environmental influences also contribute to an individual's basal metabolic rate. Health issues associated with a poor metabolism include obesity, dyslipidemia, and an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients who have a poor metabolism phenotype will exhibit various clinical features depending on the underlying condition affecting their metabolism. Conditions such as hypothyroidism can lead to a reduced metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism is characterized by the thyroid gland not producing sufficient thyroid hormone, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) results in increased levels of thyroid hormones, which can raise metabolism. Beyond thyroid function, other genetic and environmental factors play a role in metabolic rate. For example, some individuals may naturally have a slower basal metabolic rate (BMR) based on genetic differences, such as those observed between different races. Environmental factors like climate can also impact BMR, with those living in tropical climates often experiencing a higher BMR.
Finally certain health conditions can influence metabolism, with a low BMR seen in conditions such as starvation or undernutrition and a higher BMR in situations like fever or diabetes insipidus. When considering all these factors, it becomes clear that individuals with a poor metabolism phenotype often struggle with health issues related to energy expenditure, such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, which are components of the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn).