If you've ever been on a diet, you probably know that losing weight is no easy task. It requires a life-long commitment to both healthy eating and regular physical activity. Your health status can play a role in your ability to lose weight, as certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can make weight loss difficult. Some believe that a slow metabolism is the culprit for not being able to drop excess pounds, but this is largely a misconception.
Identification
Metabolism refers to the body processes that convert what you consume into energy for your cells and involuntary body functions, or those function that you don't consciously control, including breathing, blood circulation, digestion, brain function, muscle contraction and temperature control.
Factors
Your basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the measurement of the amount of energy your body uses to perform the essential processes like breathing and digestion. These involuntary body functions make up 60 to 75 percent of your total energy use. Your exact BMR depends on factors such as age, gender and body composition. Men, for example, have more muscle mass and therefore a higher BMR; younger people also have a faster BMR.
Causes
Slow metabolism can be caused by serious endocrine medical conditions. You thyroid gland releases hormones that are essential for metabolism and proper body functioning. When your thyroid does not produce enough hormones, you may be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This condition has a number of associated symptoms, including weight gain. Cushing's syndrome, caused by excess production to the hormone cortisol, can also contribute to slow metabolism. Thin limbs and upper body obesity are symptoms of this condition.
Misconceptions
Medical conditions that cause slow metabolism are rare. If you're struggling to lose weight -- especially if you are experiencing no other symptoms -- it's unlikely that metabolism is the cause. In fact, people who are overweight usually have a faster metabolic rate since they have more muscle mass. Don't fall for gimmicks that claim to increase your metabolic rate -- your BMR rarely changes because energy needs for involuntary body processes stay consistent. People who claim to have a fast metabolism are usually just more physically active.
Recommendations
Ultimately, losing weight comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Building meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein rather than sugary snacks and foods loaded with saturated fats should be your goal. Regular exercise is also an essential component of a healthy weight loss plan. Incorporating 30 minutes of aerobic activity -- such as walking and swimming -- with strength training most days of the week boosts weight loss and lowers your risk of developing serious health problems.
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