Slower metabolism doesn’t always equate to being a hurdle in shedding weight

INDIANAPOLIS – In every group of friends there often seems to be someone who never gains weight, no matter what he or she eats. They are said to possess a “fast metabolism.”

The term “metabolism” often is used loosely. People tend to associate it with weight. But it’s really a collective term for all of the chemical reactions that occur in the body. One of those reactions is burning.

Technically, when people refer to their metabolism, what they’re really talking about is their metabolic rate — the rate at which the body burns energy, or calories.

“It is possible to naturally have a slower metabolism than someone else, but that doesn’t mean you need to focus on speeding it up,” said Eve Olson, M.D., medical director of the St. Francis Weight Loss Center. “Studies show that a slower metabolism doesn’t mean you’ll have problems losing weight.”

The key is to have a healthy metabolism, neither too fast nor too slow. It is the natural byproduct of increased physical activity and resistance (weight) training — both of which
help build muscle. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, building muscle can help increase your resting metabolic rate.

Maintaining muscle also can be helpful for people who are losing weight.

“The key to weight loss is to lose fat, not muscle, protecting your metabolic rate,” Olson said. “Sensible dieting and resistance training may keep you from losing as much muscle during your weight-loss effort.”

But don’t focus on weight training alone. What is most helpful is incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. The more physically active you are, the more calories you burn. Healthy eating habits are important, too.

The bottom line: Obsessing about your metabolism won’t help you manage your weight. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to eat a healthy diet and exercise frequently. If you do those things, your metabolism will do its job.

For more information about services available at the St. Francis Weight Loss Center, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/weightloss.