First, metabolism is regarded as the process whereby fat is broken down by the body to generate energy therefore anyone with fast metabolic rate makes use of the body calories speedily while anyone with slow metabolism uses it slowly. Evidence shows that men metabolize 10-20% more than women. This is because there is a direct relationship between total fat free mass of the body and the resting metabolic rate. Hormonal factors also are involved in the rate at which metabolism progresses in the body and the hormones include insulin and the thyroid hormones. Other factors are exercise, stress and medications.
In other words, the concept of slow metabolism actually exists and this has been proven by the identical twin study that the baseline progress of metabolism of individuals is determined at birth (Bulic, Sullivia&Kendler 2003). Therefore, it follows that a naturally slow metabolizer may find it difficult to burn his or her body fat but not altogether totally impossible. Other predisposing factors for being a slow metabolizer include age, sex, lack of exercise. With age, the muscle bulk tends to decrease and hence the progress of metabolism falls after 30 years.
Also, a younger person has faster metabolism because the cells are more active. Most of the current evidence however shows a tiny link between the consumption of foods like carbohydrates, proteins, fats and the resting metabolic rate. The main issue is the quantity and not the type of food as metabolism tends to fall after cutting down calorie intake. At every point in time, the equation of food consumption must be balanced such that the calories taken in from food must equal to the calories expended from basal metabolism plus the thermal effect of the calories expended while digesting the food plus the calories expended by activity.
In order to lose weight, one will have to decrease calories taken in, increase calories expended, or do both. The adverse effect of slow metabolism is the accumulation of body fats. Under functioning of the thyroid, consumption of too much sugar, fasting, diabetes and genetics also have a role to playing metabolism. Treatment include the discontinuation of whatever medication found as culprit ,stress management, eating fruits, taking more water to allow improved cellular functions.
In conclusion, it is my belief that the above has illuminated the readers’ mind as to the concepts discussed. Conversely, if you have a high percentage of body fat, then you have a relatively slow metabolism. The older you are, the more your metabolic rate is likely to be lower. The important point is that, whatever your age, you can increase your metabolism by proper eating and exercising. If it’s naturally slow, you will need to be disciplined in your dietary and exercise habits.