Why Is My Metabolism So Slow?

Your metabolism is your body's ability to convert the foods you eat to usable energy. Metabolism influences your ability to be active, and having a slow metabolism may cause you to feel weak, tired and lacking the energy necessary to do the things you want to do. Knowing the causes of slow metabolism may help you determine what you need to change to improve your body's ability to use food to create energy.

Your Diet

The foods you eat influence how effectively your body is able to turn that food into energy. If you fill up on foods that have no nutritional value, then your body will have little to work with in order to give you plenty of energy. Rachel Laferriere reports in her book, "365 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism," that nutrients are also essential for creating healthy cells, which are critical for your energy and metabolism. Replacing junk foods such as soda pop, sweets, fast food, baked goods, butter and ice cream with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat meats and skim milk will help you increase your capability to produce healthy cells and increase your metabolism.

Your Weight

Being overweight or obese can slow your metabolism and make it difficult to be physically active without tiring easily or constantly being out of breath. Frank Suarez reports in his book, "The Power of Your Metabolism," that carrying around too many excess pounds affects all areas of your health and makes it more difficult for your body to work the way it was designed to. Fat cells can get in the way of your body efficiently converting food to energy, which will slow your metabolism. Losing weight may increase your metabolism and help you make better use of the foods you eat.

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland, located in your neck, influences your metabolism and body temperature. Suarez notes that if your thyroid gland works too much or too little, your metabolism may be affected. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough hormones, which can result in a slow metabolism marked by weight gain, fatigue and sluggishness. If you gain weight, your body will not effectively make energy from food and may contribute to a slowed metabolism. If you are too tired to exercise, your feelings of fatigue and sluggishness will also contribute to a slower metabolism.

Metabolic Syndrome

If you have metabolic syndrome, several things affect your metabolism. The Mayo Clinic reports that you will have increased blood pressure, increased insulin levels, too much fat around your waist and high cholesterol levels. Having these conditions at the same time will affect your metabolism by slowing your body's ability to make use of the nutrients and energy your food supplies. Losing weight, exercising and changing your diet can improve your symptoms and help you boost your metabolism.