Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows how difficult it can be. When the weight doesn't come off quickly, you may consider your metabolism as a cause. Fasting for weight loss does change your metabolism and you may be surprised by the impact it may have on your ability to lose weight. Before you drastically cut your caloric intake, consider how your weight may be affected.
Identification
Metabolism converts everything you eat to energy. Your metabolism fluctuates throughout each day. Your metabolism speeds up during exercise to create energy from food. While at rest, your metabolism slows and creates energy for basic life functions such as breathing. Your body continually adapts your metabolism to meet your body's needs at all times.
Features
Dieters are drawn to fasting for its perceived quick weight loss. During fasting, your body loses weight from fluid accumulation, not actual body mass. Once you reintroduce food and resume normal, the weight will return. Fasting can also be dangerous for your body by lowering your immune system making you more susceptible to illness.
Function
It is tempting to significantly decrease the amount of food you eat when you want to lose weight quickly. Your metabolism is a natural process and is continually changing to adapt to the needs of your body. During fasting, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. According to the Mayo Clinic, "your body compensates by slowing down bodily processes and conserving calories for survival."
Effects
In addition to slowing your metabolism by fasting, you can also sabotage weight loss in other ways. By severely restricting your diet, you will experience significant feelings of hunger and deprivation. You may ultimately binge to quickly satisfy your need for food. When you do begin to eat again, your body will conserve the calories you consume to protect itself against future starvation.
Recommendations
Eating right and exercising is the most effective way to lose weight and optimize your metabolism. You will burn more calories by being physically active than by being sedentary. Eating a diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products will prevent overconsumption of calories and promote healthy, sustainable weight loss.
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