What does it mean for wilson's disease to be a "metabolic disorder?"

It Alters Metabolism: In wilsons disease, genetic information to make a special protein is missing. That protein is supposed to carry excess copper like a taxicab.It takes it to the kidneys to be eliminated. Without this carrier protein, copper builds up in toxic amounts in tissue & starts to kill cells by messing up their metabolism. We are exposed to copper in our diet & in low levels it won't hurt you, high levels do.

Wilson's disease: Wilson's disease is caused by an abnormality in the way the body handles copper which leads to accumulation and toxicity.

Old term: This indicates that some component of the machinery that carries out the basic biology of the cells is defective. It can apply both to genetic diseases such as Wilson's, and to derangements caused by lifestyle such as the changes associated with obesity / lack of exercise.