About Metabolic Health
What is metabolic health?
Metabolic health refers to the overall efficiency of your body’s metabolic processes, chemical reactions that maintain life by converting food into energy, storing and using that energy, and managing essential substances like glucose and hormones. Good metabolic health is characterised by stable blood sugar levels, balanced hormones and consistent energy levels.
How is metabolic health measured?
At Combe Grove, metabolic health is evaluated using a variety of tests, including blood tests, HbA1C tests, blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring, and the Accuniq composition analyser. Blood tests offer insight into glucose levels and a full cholesterol profile, including HDL good cholesterol and LDL bad cholesterol.
Why is metabolic health important?
Metabolic health is the cornerstone of overall wellbeing. It ensures that your body efficiently processes nutrients, maintains healthy hormone levels, and regulates glucose. Improving metabolic health not only prevents inflammation related illnesses but also enhances your quality of life and promotes long-term vitality.
What is the difference between Metabolic Health and Metabolism?
Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that provide energy for the body to function. Metabolic health summarises how well these processes are functioning in order to maintain balance and protect health.
Metabolism is measured by Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR tells us how much energy we burn at rest. In contrast Metabolic Health is measured by markers such as blood glucose levels and blood pressure.
Our individual metabolism is determined by our age, gender and level of muscle mass and physical activity. The Five Roots, nutrition, movement, sleep, environment and mindset influence our Metabolic Health.
Metabolic Health Programmes at Combe Grove
What Programmes do Combe Grove offer?
Who are the programmes for?
The programmes are designed for individuals looking to improve their health and wellbeing, make sustainable lifestyle changes, or seek support for specific health challenges like prediabetes or menopause. The natural surroundings provide a nurturing environment for those looking to reconnect with nature while focusing on their health.
Why choose Combe Grove?
The retreats are built around the Five Roots of Metabolic Health, Nutrition, Movement, Sleep, Mindset, and Environment. These elements shape every aspect of your stay, from the nutritious meals to the variety of activities designed to inspire positive change. A year of online support, including consultations, recipes, and fitness tips, is provided to guide you after your retreat. Clients are also invited to enjoy a one year membership at The Club, which includes access to the gym, classes, treatments and a seasonal menu.
What does a typical day look like?
7.30am to 9.30am Health Check & Accuniq Analysis
9.30am to 10.30am Breakfast
10.45am to 12.30pm Five Roots Workshop
12.45pm to 1.30pm Lunch
1.45pm to 2.00pm Nature Walk
2.00pm to 4.30pm Personal Consultation & Relaxation Time
5.15pm to 6.15pm Dinner
7.30pm to 8.30pm Creative Workshop
Is everything included in the price?
Yes, your stay includes accommodation, meals, use of facilities, activities and workshops. You also receive a nutritional consultation, massage and a treatment. Additional treatments can be purchased separately.
Room Amenities
Rooms come equipped with towels, robes, a kettle, slippers, a selection of Pukka Teas and all natural toiletries. Additionally, Dyson hairdryers and Neal’s Yard products are provided for your convenience.
Client Policy
You can bring a guest, such as a life partner, for an additional £600, though they will not participate in workshops or consultations.
Dietary Requirements
Combe Grove caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and sugar conscious. Allergies and intolerances should be noted in your Health Declaration Form.
Pets and Alcohol Policy
Pets are not allowed on the Retreat but are welcome at the Map Room café. The Estate maintains a no alcohol policy to align with its focus on health and wellbeing.
Check In & Check Out Times
Check In on Monday between 10am and 12pm
Check Out on Sunday at 9am
What to Bring
Pack comfortable activewear, sturdy walking boots, waterproofs and a notepad. Toiletries are provided, but you may bring any additional personal items you prefer. A full packing list is provided before arrival.
Transportation
For sustainable travel, the nearest train station is Bath Spa, and Combe Grove provides a mini bus service from the station. Alternatively, clients can drive and park on site.
Membership at Combe Grove
Club Hours
Monday to Friday 6.30am to 8.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 8.00am to 7.00pm
Bank Holidays 8.00am to 7.00pm
Pool Hours
Monday to Friday 6.30am to 7.30pm
Weekends & Bank Holidays 8.00am to 6.30pm
Booking Classes
Classes can be booked through the Combe Grove App, via the website, or by contacting reception.
Booking Tours
You can arrange a tour of Combe Grove’s facilities via the website, email, or by calling the team directly.
Membership Payment Plans
Memberships require a 12 month commitment and can be paid upfront or in monthly instalments via direct debit.
Pool Dimensions
Indoor Pool 16.6m long, 7m wide, 1.5m deep
Outdoor Pool 12m long, 4m wide
Glossary of Common Terms
Homeostasis
A state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function. To maintain homeostasis the body is constantly working to adjust to changing conditions. Examples of homeostasis include blood glucose control and body temperature.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas which is important in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Insulin has a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells for energy or storage.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland in the brain which regulates the sleep-wake cycle by promoting sleep in response to darkness
Circadian rhythm
The body’s natural 24 hour cycle of physical, mental and behavioural changes. Light and dark has the greatest impact on circadian rhythm but it can also be affecting by what and when we eat, movement, stress and our environment. For optimal health we need to align our daily habits with our circadian rhythm.
Waist to Height Ratio
A waist to height ratio is calculated by dividing the waist measurement by our height. This gives an insight into body fat distribution and helps predict health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Blood Pressure
The term blood pressure refers to the force exerted by blood on the artery walls which can be measured using a blood pressure monitor. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, can lead to severe cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and stroke.
Weight
Body weight is measured using scales and represents our total mass, including muscle, fat, water and bone. If we carry excess weight, we are more likely to suffer medical conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds our vital organs in the abdominal cavity. It can be measured using body composition scales which determine visceral fat levels through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Maintaining healthy visceral fat levels reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Muscle Mass
Muscle mass is the total amount of muscle tissue in our body and can be measured using body composition scales through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Healthy muscle levels can help moderate blood sugar and insulin levels, maintain and increase physical strength, and support individuals in reducing body fat levels.
Strength and Fitness
Improving strength and fitness levels can have profound positive effects on metabolic health. There are a number of ways to assess this including the ‘sit to stand’ test’. This test is widely used amongst health services and measures how long it takes to stand up and sit down from a chair 10 times.
HbA1C
Our HbA1C level test tells us the average amount of sugar in our blood by measuring the amount of glucose attached to our red blood cells over a period of time. This is carried out by taking a fasted blood sample and is the primary test used to diagnose type 2 diabetes.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that provide energy. Our levels are measured by taking a fasted blood sample. If levels become too high, this can increase our risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other metabolic diseases.
Triglyceride v HDL-C ratio
HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is often referred to as ‘good cholesterol’. Our Triglyceride v HDL-C ratio is measured by taking a fasted blood sample. This is a useful test as it can indicate insulin resistance which is one of the root causes of poor metabolic health.
Quality of Life Score
The Quality of Life Score is a metric used to assess overall wellbeing across various categories including social relationships, physical health, and personal circumstances. Individuals with poor metabolic health often experience significantly lower quality of life scores. This emphasises the importance of supporting metabolic health to enhance overall wellbeing.
