‘Metabolism’ is one of those words that is constantly heard when matters of weight, health, and eating are discussed. But what exactly does the term ‘metabolism’ refer to? Why does your metabolism matter? Is it better to have a slow or fast metabolism, and what is the difference? Knowing the answers to these questions is worthwhile for anyone who is interested in their nutrition and health.
Generally, a person’s metabolism describes how many calories their body uses. Of course, the amount of calories the body burns is heavily dependent upon physical activity. Someone who runs a marathon will use up far more calories than someone who sits on their couch all day.
However, the number of calories an individual burns through is not entirely dependent on physical activity. The body’s basal metabolic rate is the other major factor. The basal metabolic rate refers to the amount of calories burned to passively maintain parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and muscles. This is where what is called a fast or slow metabolism comes in.
Essentially, a fast metabolism means someone has a high basal metabolic rate, while a slow metabolism means they have a slow basal metabolic rate. The implications are relatively obvious. Someone with a high metabolism can consume more food than someone with a slow metabolism, even if both have the same level of physical activity.
However, while a fast metabolism is certainly a good thing for anyone looking to keep the weight off, it’s actually an impediment for those who want to gain mass. Athletes or anyone desiring a bulkier physique may find they wish they had a slower metabolism. And having a faster metabolism doesn’t mean someone can eat whatever they want without consequences. Unhealthy foods are still bad for you, even if they don’t result in weight gain.
The speed of your metabolism is certainly not under your direct control. Metabolism does tend to slow down as aging occurs. Women also tend to have slower metabolisms since they have more fat and less muscle than men. The big thing you can do if you want a faster metabolism is to add muscle, as larger muscles naturally require more calories to be maintained.
Understanding how metabolism works is valuable. Whether someone has a fast or slow metabolism, knowledge is always useful – especially when it comes to a phenomenon that plays such a crucial role in health and well being.
