Is your Metabolism Actually Slow?

A sluggish metabolism often gets the blame for the kilos creeping on (or refusing to melt off). But is our metabolism really at fault here? Or is something else going on? Let’s break it down…

What is metabolism?

Metabolism refers to our body’s process of converting food and drink into energy. It runs 24/7 to keep our body’s vital processes going, even when we’re doing “nothing” (like sleeping or watching TV).

Can you have a slow or fast metabolism?

Yes! The speed of your metabolism will mostly be determined by genetics -we’ve all got a slim friend who seems to eat whatever they want without gaining any weight! Your current body composition also plays a large part, as those who have more muscle mass will burn more calories at rest than those with more fat. However, the difference between a slow and a fast metabolism isn’t as large as you may think, and cannot be blamed for weight gain.

Is having a slow metabolism making it harder for me to lose weight?

It’s probably not making the process any easier, but it’s not the main thing holding you back. It’s more likely there is a combination of factors at play, like not enough physical activity, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol or soft drink intake, lack of sleep, un-managed stress levels, medication side affects or an underlying health condition. If you’re struggling to shift weight, speak to your doctor about testing for conditions like PCOS, hypothyroidism or insulin resistance.

Can I make my metabolism faster?

To a small degree, yes. Work on increasing muscle mass with regular strength training so you burn more calories at rest, or include high intensity exercise (which has been shown to boost your metabolism for up to 24 hours).

You can also increase your overall daily energy expenditure with activity like housework, cycling to work, playing with the kids, or taking the dog for a walk.

What about metabolism-boosting foods?

Sadly, there are no foods that will directly make your metabolism faster. However, there are foods that cost more energy to digest like fibre and protein - plus, fibre keeps your gut bacteria happy while protein increases feelings of satiety and assists with muscle repair and growth. There have also been some studies around green tea that have shown small increases in metabolism - around 100 calories a day after drinking three cups of green tea.

Overall, metabolism is just one thing to consider when it comes to weight loss - focusing on building healthy habits for life will get you much further than trying to hack your metabolism!