Symptoms of a Slow Metabolism
- Weight Gain. Metabolism is the process through which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. While...
- Lethargy & Chronic Fatigue. Can’t shake that feeling of being tired and worn out? If your metabolism is lagging, your...
- Difficulty Losing Weight. In addition to causing weight gain, a slow metabolism can also make it...
What does it mean to have a low or high metabolism?
A high metabolism means that you need to intake more calories to maintain your weight, and a low metabolic rate means you will burn fewer calories at rest and should be eating less to maintain a healthy weight. Eating too many calories with a low metabolism can cause weight gain. Low Metabolic Rate Symptoms
What happens if you eat too many calories with a low metabolism?
Eating too many calories with a low metabolism can cause weight gain. Having a low basal metabolic rate can result in changes in the body. When you are not burning calories quickly, but consuming high amounts of calories, the excess calories in your body cause various symptoms.
What are the symptoms of slow metabolism?
10 Slow Metabolism Symptoms & What to do About Them 1 Weight Gain. Metabolism is the process through which your body converts what you eat... 2 Lethargy & Chronic Fatigue. Can’t shake that feeling of being tired and worn out? 3 Difficulty Losing Weight. A decrease in your metabolism might make it harder to lose weight...
What happens when your basal metabolic rate is low?
Having a low basal metabolic rate can result in changes in the body. When you are not burning calories quickly, but consuming high amounts of calories, the excess calories in your body cause various symptoms.
What are the symptoms of low metabolism?
8 Symptoms of a Slow MetabolismWeight Gain. One of the most apparent signs of a slow metabolism is weight gain. ... Difficulty Losing Weight. Another common symptom of a slow metabolism is the inability to lose weight effectively. ... Fatigue. ... General Weakness. ... Dry Skin. ... Thinning Hair. ... Mood Swings. ... Inability to Concentrate.
How do you treat low metabolism?
Eat plenty of protein with each meal — 25 to 30 percent of your total daily calories — to boost your metabolism. Aim for at least 8 hours of high-quality sleep per night. Eat probiotic-rich foods (or take probiotic supplements). Meditate daily to keep stress to a minimum.
Is a slow metabolism unhealthy?
The higher your metabolic rate, the more calories you burn performing these chemical processes. A fast metabolism can help with weight loss, as it means you can eat more calories while still burning fat and dropping weight. But having a slow metabolism isn't necessarily a bad thing.
How do I increase my metabolism?
5 ways to boost metabolismExercise more. Add interval training to your cardio routine and burn more calories in less time. ... Weight train. Add muscle mass to your body and you can burn more calories at rest. ... Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. ... Eat fat-burning foods. ... Get a good night's sleep every night.
What causes low metabolism?
According to Mayo Clinic, slow metabolism may be the result of a number of factors like eating habits, physical activity, hormonal imbalance or genetics. Slow metabolism may lead to weight gain and obesity in some cases.
Which food will increase metabolism?
As part of a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can boost metabolism at mealtime. Good sources of protein include lean beef, turkey, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.
Does slow metabolism mean longer life?
That is, metabolic rate is thought to be inversely proportional to maximum lifespan, which means that species that live fast will die young while those that have a slower metabolic rate live slower and longer.
At what age does metabolism slow down?
Over time, studies have shown that metabolic rate (how fast we burn calories) starts to slow down by 2 to 3 percent each decade, beginning in our 20s. It becomes more noticeable between ages 40 and 60.
How long does it take to repair your metabolism?
It may take you some time to increase your metabolism — three months is a reasonable timeframe to expect to see changes.
How can I naturally jumpstart my metabolism?
How to Jump Start Your MetabolismDrink More Water. ... Eat High-Protein Foods. ... Eat Greek Yogurt. ... Eat Spicy Foods. ... Interval Training. ... Eat Small, Frequent Meals. ... Healthy Amounts of Coffee and Unsweetened Teas. ... Weightlifting Plus Cardio.
What happens when your metabolism slows down?
When your metabolism slows, you burn less calories and are more likely to keep weight on. 4. Dry, Cracked Skin. The same hormones that aid in keeping your skin and nails healthy are the ones the control your metabolic processes - an imbalance in one can definitely be seen in the other.
What does it mean when your metabolism is slowed?
If your slowed metabolism is affecting your body’s nutrient intake, your hair won’t have the supply it needs to stay strong, vibrant, and healthy. Hair loss or simply a change in texture to dry and dull hair can be a sign of a slowed metabolism. 6. Feeling Cold or Difficulty Staying Warm.
What Causes Slow Metabolism Symptoms?
Genetics, age, and your sex, all play a role in how efficiently your body uses energy and maintains weight. Many think those who are obese have a slow metabolism, but that isn’t always true; there are many other factors involved in regulating metabolism.
Why is it harder to lose weight?
A decrease in your metabolism might make it harder to lose weight because while weight is largely dependent on burning more calories than you take in. If you suddenly restrict your diet and undereat in general, your metabolism is naturally going to slow to conserve calories for energy.
How does metabolism affect weight?
1. Weight Gain. Metabolism is the process through which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. While your food intake and physical exercise are the biggest determiners of your weight, a slowed metabolism can contribute to weight gain as your body simply slows your calorie conversion, you burn less calories on the same amount ...
What gland controls metabolism?
Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that secretes hormones that regulate your metabolic rate. It’s also the defining factor in just how efficient your metabolism will function
Why is the immune system affected by a change in metabolism?
Your body’s natural protections against foreign bacterias and viruses requires a healthy immune system which can be affected by a change in your metabolism. Since your body takes the nutrients from your food and delivers them to your organs and immune system for proper functioning, if your food to nutrient conversion is slacking, your body is more vulnerable to getting sick. Fluid build-up around joints and muscles as a result of a slowed metabolism can also cause stiffness, weakness, and even pain.
How do you know if you have a slow metabolism?
You gained weight. Shutterstock. The biggest sign of a slow metabolism is unexplained weight gain. If you've been eating well and exercising and still packing on the pounds, it could be your metabolism.
Why does my skin lose its luster?
When you have a slow metabolism, your cells aren't as active as they should be, which means they aren't getting the proper blood supply. "As the skin fails to gain vital nutrients… the skin loses its luster," Dr. Alam says. Also as your body tries to conserve heat, you don't sweat as much .
What does it mean when you have insulin resistance?
One sign of insulin resistance is a constant craving for sugar and carbohydrates. Since your body isn't properly utilizing insulin, your cells can't absorb the glucose in your body, leading to sugar and other carb cravings, she explains. The problem is, the more sugar and refined carbs you eat, the more your body can't process them, and the more likely you are to pack on excess fat, experience energy slumps, and feel fatigued.
Can a slow metabolism make you gain weight?
Not only can a slow metabolism make you gain weight, but it can also make it super difficult to lose weight even if you've been counting calories and exercising extremely diligently. Dr. Alam says you may have an inability to lose weight "despite eating a balanced or restricted diet."
Does depression slow down metabolism?
Since hypothyroidism slows down processes in your body, it's no surprise your mood can take a hit, too. Depression has been linked to a slow thyroid, and therefore a slow metabolism.
Is slow metabolism a sign of insulin resistance?
A slow metabolism is often linked to insulin resistance says Caroline Cederquist, MD, practicing bariatric physician in Naples, Florida and author of The MD Factor Diet. " [Insulin resistance] is a common metabolic condition that means your cells are resistant to the action of insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas that regulates how your cells metabolize energy," she explains. "If your body is resistant to insulin that causes chronically slow metabolism."
How to tell if your metabolism is slow?
Possible signs of a slow metabolism may include: Unexpected weight changes (weight gain or weight loss) Getting tired easily or feeling sluggish. Hair loss. It’s important to keep in mind that weight gain, especially rapid, unexplainable weight gain, can be a result of a number of other factors including: Genetics and family history.
What does it mean when your metabolism is high?
Having a high or fast metabolism is associated with burning more calories in a rested state compared to someone with a slower metabolism. Naturally, if you burn more calories than you take in, you may lose weight.
What hormones affect metabolism?
Check your levels of three key hormones that affect metabolism and weight (cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) with the easy-to-use, at-home Metabolism Test. Note that this test does not give you a measurement of your metabolic rate.
How do you know if you have a fast metabolism?
Signs of a fast metabolism may include: Unexpected weight changes (weight gain or weight loss) Anemia. Fatigue. Elevated heart rate. Feeling hot and sweaty often. Feeling hungry often throughout the day. Frequent bowel movements. Learn more about the signs of a fast metabolism.
Does weight correlate with metabolism?
People with higher metabolism rates burn more calories and at a faster rate than someone with a slower metabolic rate. However, research suggests that anyone, at any given body size, can have high, normal, or low metabolic rates—which shows that weight does not necessarily correlate with metabolism rate. In most cases, excess weight ...
Does a fast metabolism help you lose weight?
However, other factors may contribute to how well and how fast your metabolism functions, including: Having a high or fast metabolism is associated with burning more calories in a rested state compared to someone with a slower metabolism. Naturally, if you burn more calories than you take in, you may lose weight.
Does your metabolism slow down as you age?
Your metabolism naturally slows down as you age, though there is no specific age at which metabolism is known to start slowing down.
What does it mean when your metabolism is low?
A high metabolism means that you need to intake more calories to maintain your weight, and a low metabolic rate means you will burn fewer calories at rest and should be eating less to maintain a healthy weight. Eating too many calories with a low metabolism can cause weight gain.
Why is it important to have a low metabolism?
If you notice unexplained weight gain , it is important to bring a low metabolism to your doctor’s attention in case there is an underlying cause that requires treatment. With the right diet, you can live a healthy life with a low metabolism.
What is the minimum amount of energy your body needs to carry out regular functions?
The minimum amount of energy your body needs to carry out regular functions is known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR). Your BMR accounts for anywhere between 40 and 70 percent of your daily energy requirements. A high metabolism means that you need to intake more calories to maintain your weight, and a low metabolic rate means you will burn fewer ...
Why is my thyroid overactive?
Both weight loss and weight gain are associated with this disease. As a result of the lower thyroid hormone count, your thyroid speeds up activity to counteract this, so an overactive thyroid could be the result of a low metabolism to start with.
Why does my metabolism feel sluggish?
Your metabolism is a series of chemical processes in your body that are responsible for maintaining life. Your body metabolizes the food you consume to convert it into energy for bodily function. The calories from your food are combined with oxygen to produce the energy your cells need. Low metabolism can cause you to feel sluggish ...
What are the symptoms of low metabolic rate?
When you are not burning calories quickly, but consuming high amounts of calories, the excess calories in your body cause various symptoms. ♦ Unexplained weight gain. ♦ Chronic fatigue.
Why is testosterone low?
Low testosterone levels increase body fat, especially around the midsection. Obesity is also one of the top causes of low testosterone levels. ♦ Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome consists of a group of conditions that occur together with an increase in your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Hypertension, high cholesterol, and high ...
Overview
Metabolism refers to the chemical (metabolic) processes that take place as your body converts foods and drinks into energy. It’s a complex process that combines calories and oxygen to create and release energy. This energy fuels body functions.
Conditions and Disorders
A few people have endocrine disorders that cause their metabolism to work slower. You may burn fewer calories and put on weight if you have:
Care
Don’t skip meals. Your metabolism quickly adapts and starts using fewer calories for body functions. If you restrict calories too much, your body starts to break down muscle for energy. A loss of muscle mass slows the metabolism.
How does age affect metabolism?
Age also affects metabolism, as it can slow over the years, even if you start out with a fast metabolism. Differences in metabolism speed are evident in how easy or hard it is for people to gain or lose weight. A slow metabolism burns fewer calories, which means more get stored as fat in the body; that's why some people have difficulty losing weight by just cutting calories. A fast metabolism burns calories at a quicker rate, which explains why some people can eat a lot and not gain extra pounds.
How to get your metabolism to stay up?
Pick up the pace. Add some high-intensity interval training to your regular routine. After a period of interval training, your metabolism can stay revved up for as much as a full day. For example, when you're walking or jogging on a treadmill or outside, speed up for 30 to 60 seconds, and then slow to your usual pace; repeat the cycle for eight to 12 minutes.
How to burn fat and calories?
Drink green tea. Studies have found green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate, which may increase the calories and fat you burn. A 2011 meta-analysis published in Obesity Reviews found that consuming about 250 milligrams of epigallocatechin gallate (the amount in about three cups of green tea) helped boost metabolism enough to burn an average of 100 extra calories a day.
How to increase metabolism?
Eat protein and do weight training. Your metabolism increases whenever you eat, digest, and store food, a process called thermic effect of food.
Why do some people have difficulty losing weight by cutting calories?
A slow metabolism burns fewer calories, which means more get stored as fat in the body; that's why some people have difficulty losing weight by just cutting calories. A fast metabolism burns calories at a quicker rate, which explains why some people can eat a lot and not gain extra pounds.
What is the process of burning calories?
In simple terms, metabolism is the internal process by which your body expends energy and burns calories. It runs 24/7 to keep your body moving, even when you're resting or sleeping, by converting the food and nutrients you consume into the energy your body needs in order to breathe, circulate blood, grow and repair cells, and everything else it does to survive.
Can you speed up a naturally slow metabolism?
Is it possible to speed up a naturally slow metabolism, or rev up one that has become sluggish over time? "You can manipulate your metabolism to a degree," says Dr. Lee. "It is often a small change that may help you burn more calories. That, along with adopting a healthier diet and making sure you get enough exercise, may give people the extra push they need to lose and maintain weight." For example:
What are some lifestyle mistakes that slow down metabolism?
Here are 6 lifestyle mistakes that can slow down your metabolism. 1. Eating too few calories. Eating too few calories can cause a major decrease in metabolism. Although a calorie deficit is needed for weight loss, it can be counterproductive for your calorie intake to drop too low.
How to keep your metabolism from slowing down?
Working out with weights is a great strategy to keep your metabolism from slowing. Strength training has been shown to increase metabolic rate in healthy people, as well as those who have heart disease or are overweight or obese ( 28. Trusted Source. , 29.
What is the increase in metabolism that occurs after digestion called?
The increase in metabolism that occurs after digestion is called the thermic effect of food (TEF).
What happens when you lower your calorie intake?
When you dramatically lower your calorie intake, your body senses that food is scarce and lowers the rate at which it burns calories.
Why is sleeping fewer hours bad?
Sleeping fewer hours than you need may increase your risk of a number of illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression ( 15. Trusted Source. ). Several studies note that inadequate sleep may also lower your metabolic rate and increase your likelihood of weight gain ( 16.
Why is it important to keep your metabolism high?
Keeping your metabolism high is crucial for losing weight and keeping it off.
Why is lack of sleep worse?
Lack of sleep is made worse by sleeping during the day instead of at night. This sleep pattern disrupts your body’s circadian rhythms, or internal clock.
How common is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common , and up to one-third of U.S. adults have it. If you have metabolic syndrome or any of its components, aggressive lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the development of serious health problems.
Why is metabolic syndrome linked to obesity?
Causes. Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to overweight or obesity and inactivity. It's also linked to a condition called insulin resistance. Normally, your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat into sugar. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that helps sugar enter your cells to be used as fuel.
Why does blood sugar rise when insulin is given?
As a result, your blood sugar levels rise even as your body churns out more and more insulin to try to lower your blood sugar.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
And if your blood sugar is high, you might notice the signs and symptoms of diabetes — such as increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Is metabolic syndrome more likely to occur during pregnancy?
You're more likely to have metabolic syndrome if you had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes. Other diseases. Your risk of metabolic syndrome is higher if you've ever had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or sleep apnea.
Which ethnicity is at the greatest risk for metabolic syndrome?
Ethnicity. In the United States, Hispanics — especially Hispanic women — appear to be at the greatest risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The reasons for this are not entirely clear.
Does metabolic syndrome mean you have a heart disease?
Having just one of these conditions doesn't mean you have metabolic syndrome. But it does mean you have a greater risk of serious disease. And if you develop more of these conditions, your risk of complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, rises even higher.