What are Mitochondria and Why Is Mitochondrial Function Important for Health?

Mitochondria are your cells' power plants that burn fat and sugar to make energy. When they work well, you burn more calories, store less fat, and have better insulin sensitivity, which helps weight loss and metabolic health [1]. In obesity, mitochondria become sluggish, produce more harmful ROS, and shift toward sugar burning, making weight loss harder and increasing diabetes risk [2] [3]. Exercise and weight loss improve mitochondrial function, boosting fat burning and insulin sensitivity, which supports sustainable weight loss and better health [4] [5].

Mitochondrial function and energy metabolism

Mitochondria convert nutrients into ATP through oxidative phosphorylation; when they are efficient, you burn more calories and store less fat [6]. In obesity, mitochondria become less efficient, produce more ROS, and shift toward sugar burning, which promotes fat storage and insulin resistance [2] [3].

Mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity

In obesity, mitochondria show reduced oxidative capacity, increased ROS production, and impaired metabolic flexibility — the ability to switch between fat and sugar burning [2] [3]. These changes promote fat storage, insulin resistance, and inflammation, making weight loss harder and increasing diabetes risk [3].

Impact of mitochondrial function on weight loss

Better mitochondrial function supports greater fat oxidation, higher energy expenditure, and improved insulin sensitivity, all of which aid weight loss and maintenance [1] [5]. Conversely, mitochondrial dysfunction limits fat burning, lowers energy expenditure, and promotes weight regain, especially after dieting [2].

Mitochondrial function and metabolic health

Mitochondrial function is closely linked to insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation [1]. Improving mitochondrial function reduces insulin resistance, lowers inflammation, and improves lipid profiles, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [1] [5].

Strategies to improve mitochondrial function

Several strategies can enhance mitochondrial function and support weight loss:

• Exercise: Regular aerobic and resistance training increase mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative capacity, and metabolic flexibility [4] [5].

• Caloric restriction: Moderate caloric restriction can improve mitochondrial efficiency and reduce oxidative stress [7].

• Pharmacological interventions: Some medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may improve mitochondrial function and insulin sensitivity, although more research is needed [8].

  

Conclusion

Mitochondrial function is central to energy metabolism, fat oxidation, and insulin sensitivity. Improving mitochondrial function through exercise, caloric restriction, and potentially pharmacological interventions can enhance weight loss, improve metabolic health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases [1] [5].

Sources:

1. Skeletal muscle mitochondria as a target to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nature Reviews: Endocrinology. (2016).

2. Beyond appetite regulation: targeting energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and lean mass preservation for sustainable weight loss. Obesity. (2022).

3. Is mitochondrial dysfunction a common root of noncommunicable chronic diseases?. Endocrine Reviews. (2020).

4. Dietary weight loss-induced improvements in metabolic function are enhanced by exercise in people with obesity and prediabetes. Nature Metabolism. (2023).

5. Effects of physical activity and weight loss on skeletal muscle mitochondria and relationship with glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes. (2007).

6. Cellular bioenergetics as a target for obesity therapy. Nature Reviews: Drug Discovery. (2010).

7. Effects of 12 months of caloric restriction on muscle mitochondrial function in healthy individuals. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. (2017).

8. Semaglutide-induced weight loss improves mitochondrial energy efficiency in skeletal muscle. Obesity. (2025).