Shortcuts to weight loss are eagerly sought by those desperate to lose extra pounds. Secret formulas, diet pills, herbal concoctions and fat-burning food promise to boost metabolism and speed up weight loss. An increased metabolism means that your body will more efficiently burn calories at a faster rate. Exercising, reducing your intake of calories, avoiding too many fats and maintaining a balanced diet all contribute to a healthy-functioning, calorie-burning metabolism.
Function
The staff at MayoClinic.com defines metabolism as "the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy." It's a "complex biochemical process" by which "calories in food and beverages are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function." Even when you are sleeping, your body still burns calories pumping blood, producing and repairing cells, and regulating your breathing and heart beat.
Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal metabolic rate is the rate your body consumes energy to provide essential bodily functions. Variables such as height, weight, gender and age are used to calculate individual BMR. Your BMR stays fairly consistent says the staff at MayoClinic.com and accounts for "60 to 75 percent of the calories you burn every day." Losing weight in a safe manner requires that you maintain the minimum calorie consumption for fueling essential body processes.
Metabolism and Weight Loss
Extra calories consumed by you beyond those needed for essential bodily functions provide fuel for physical activities and digesting food. Laurie Hedlund, L.P.N. wrote at "ConsumerAffairs.com" that "The rate you burn energy during physical activity and the rate you use energy during digestion of food are the two other factors involved in your total metabolic rate. To improve your metabolic efficiency you only need to alter what you eat and what you do a little bit to experience a difference in how you look and feel." Improving the efficiency of your metabolism can boost the rate at which you lose weight.
Metabolism Boosters
Instead of spending money on the latest metabolism boosting product, simply incorporate exercise into your daily routine. The staff at MayoClinic.com states that "While you don't have much control over the speed of your metabolism, you can control how many calories you burn through your level of physical activity." They caution against "Products that claim to speed up your metabolism" since they "are often more hype than help, and some may cause undesirable or even dangerous side effects." Monitoring caloric intake and increasing the amount and intensity of your exercise regimen are proven methods that help you reach your weight loss goals.
On the other hand, eating six small meals a day, dosing yourself with apple cider vinegar before each meal or eating spicy foods are some methods for boosting metabolism suggested in the popular media. Use common sense when experimenting and avoid sacrificing exercise and a balanced diet.
Considerations
There are rare conditions that can cause your metabolism to become sluggish. If you have adhered to weight loss guidelines and still haven't been able to lose weight, you may need to see your doctor. Mayo Clinic preventive medicine specialist Donald Hensrud, M.D. cites hypothyroidism and Cushing's Syndrome as two possible underlying causes of a slow metabolism.
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