Does Fatigue Affect Your Metabolism?

Metabolism describes the chemical processes by which your body converts food into energy. Through digestion and elimination, your body extracts the nutrients it requires to perform basic functions and expels waste materials. Fatigue, not to be mistaken for drowsiness, relates to a general lack of energy and motivation. Fatigue is a normal response to physical and mental exertion, but when sustained over a period of time, it can indicate an underlying health problem, such as low metabolism. Typically, fatigue does not affect metabolism, though it can be symptomatic of metabolic function and nutrition status.

Basal Metabolic Rate

Your metabolism uses the energy obtained from food and drink for both active and essential functions. While your body may rest, your metabolism does not, working constantly to perform tasks such as cellular regeneration, blood circulation and protecting against harmful bacteria and disease. The basal metabolic rate is the number of calories your body needs to accomplish these essential functions. Basal metabolic rate depends on your body size, sex and age, and it changes in speed over the course of the lifespan.

Slow Metabolism

Fatigue is one of the foremost symptoms of slow metabolism. However, according to Dr. Donald Hensrud of the Mayo Clinic, slow metabolism in an extremely rare condition related to endocrine imbalances, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome. The thyroid gland oversees the production of hormones that regulate metabolic processes. Hypothyroidism describes an underactive gland, where a slowed metabolic rate results in weight gain and feelings of general fatigue. Cushing's syndrome, also associated with fatigue, is caused by excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol, which controls your body's metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Slow Metabolism and Fatigue

Slow metabolism is commonly -- and mistakenly -- blamed for weight gain, lacking energy and fatigue. However, with the exception of rare cases, fatigue more commonly results from poor diet in the form of either inadequate nutrition or excessive consumption of foods that are difficult to digest. Metabolic processes are designed to maintain your body at an ideal weight and with required energy levels. A diet that lacks essential vitamins and minerals impairs proper energy metabolism and can leave you feeling sluggish as your body concentrates on using nutrients for vital functions.

How to Beat Fatigue

Nutrition specialist at the Mayo Clinic Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. recommends improving metabolism and managing fatigue by consuming fewer calories and engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise. Aerobic exercise helps improve energy and builds lean muscle mass. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods to your diet will facilitate digestion and elimination, supply your body with the nutrients its requires and help reduce feelings of fatigue.

Caution

If you are gaining weight for no apparent reason or have persistent and severe levels of fatigue, consult your doctor. Slow metabolism and chronic fatigue syndrome are serious health conditions that may require substantial changes to your diet and lifestyle.