What is AMPK and why does it matter for our body's energy?

When your cells are running low on energy, a protein called AMPK senses this and tells the cell to break down stored sugar and fat to make more fuel.

Think of AMPK like a car's low-fuel light and mechanic rolled into one — when your cells run low on energy, AMPK turns on and boosts energy production while turning off energy-heavy activities to get things back in balance.

If we can turn on a certain switch in the body—using things like diet, exercise, or supplements—it might help our cells use sugar and fat better, clean out junk, reduce damage and swelling, and improve overall metabolism.

A protein in your body called AMPK helps control how fat is burned and made, so fixing how it works might help treat obesity and related health problems.

Eating fewer carbs might turn on a key energy sensor in your body that helps improve how your body handles sugar and fat, making it a possible way to boost your metabolism.