Though some individuals may not appreciate their slow metabolisms, a new study suggests that humans and other primates – who burn 50% fewer calories each day than other mammals – have such long lives because of their curiously slow metabolisms.
That is, metabolic rate is thought to be inversely proportional to maximum lifespan, which means that species that live fast will die young while those that have a slower metabolic rate live slower and longer.
A new study accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism claims that people with higher metabolic rates age faster and die younger than people without them, Science Daily reports.
A slow metabolism burns fewer calories, which means more get stored as fat in the body; that's why some people have difficulty losing weight by just cutting calories. A fast metabolism burns calories at a quicker rate, which explains why some people can eat a lot and not gain extra pounds.
The higher your metabolic rate, the more calories you burn performing these chemical processes. A fast metabolism can help with weight loss, as it means you can eat more calories while still burning fat and dropping weight. But having a slow metabolism isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Your metabolic rate does change during your early life, but it plateaus between the ages of 20 and 60, and only decreases by around 1% per year after that. Your total daily energy expenditure also depends on your weight.
Many people with a slower metabolism may experience chronic fatigue or feel lethargic. If your metabolism is slow, the process of breaking down food and turning the calories into energy levels will be slower. If this process slows, it will diminish your overall energy levels.
Factors that may increase a person's metabolic rate include consuming an appropriate number of calories, favoring protein over carbohydrates and fat, getting enough sleep, and some types of exercise, such as resistance training.
Having a high metabolism has its benefits; people with a high metabolism tend to burn calories faster than people with a low metabolism. On the other hand, having a fast metabolism can make it challenging to gain weight or maintain a healthy diet.
Ectomorph Metabolism
They have a fast metabolism, which allows them to burn up calories quicker than other metabolism types. To gain weight, ectomorphs usually need a huge caloric intake. For ectomorphs, workouts should focus on the big muscle groups.
A fast metabolism does not necessarily lead to thinness. In fact, studies show that people with overweight/obesity often have fast metabolisms. Their bodies need more energy to keep basic body functions going.
Some people claim to have been born with a “fast metabolism.” There is a genetic component to metabolism, but your lifestyle and health habits have a bigger impact on your metabolism than you may think. The most significant factor that affects your metabolism rate is muscle mass.
Aerobic activity can help control weight and can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many other conditions. Muscle-strengthening exercises are important for the same reasons but will also boost your metabolism.
Water is the key to life, and it turns out it's also one of the easiest ways to help your metabolism. Drinking water increases your metabolism by up to 25% for nearly an hour after drinking it. That means if you drink a few cups of water every hour, you'll keep your metabolism at peak performance all day.
Hormonal metabolism tests are the only type you can do at home. Other tests can provide more and different information based on a larger blood sample, but they require you to go to a lab or work with a doctor first. Your doctor can prescribe a metabolism test and perform it in a medical setting.
Your metabolic rate peaks in your early 20s, according to Women's Health Magazine. At this age, you tend to have a higher muscle mass and have a fair amount of physical activity built into your day. As early as age 30, however, men and women begin noticing a dip in their ability to lose weight.
A good metabolic age is your age in real life. If you're 40, your metabolic age should really be 40 too. Those that are fitter will find their metabolic age reads much younger than their chronological age.
New study says decline begins in our 50s
Researchers with Duke University's School of Medicine suggest that physical decline begins in the decade of the 50s and worsens as we age, especially for those who don't exercise.
Everyone has some of each type, but how much brown fat you have—and therefore how high your metabolism is—may be inherited from your mom, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Another trait that you get from your mom is your intelligence.
Signs of a fast metabolism include increased calorie burning, difficulty gaining weight, increased breathing, insomnia and frequent sweating. The term fast or slow metabolism is often used depending on the speed of a person's basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Don't worry, tall people, you still have a metabolic advantage. Chances are your basal metabolic rate— the minimum amount of calories you need to function–is higher than that of your short friend.