Metabolism, a term we often hear in discussions about health and body weight, plays an essential role in everyone’s life. However, understanding what a “slow metabolism” really entails and how it affects our bodies can be a confusing topic.
To understand a slow metabolism, we must first define the concept of metabolism itself. Metabolism refers to a series of biological processes through which our body expends energy to stay alive and functional. When we talk about metabolism speed, we refer to the metabolic rate, which is the number of calories our body needs to perform essential functions such as breathing and digestion. As this expert on overweight and obesity notes, “metabolism is not simply fast or slow; it is a highly individualized process influenced by various factors.
While many people blame their slow metabolism for gaining weight easily, it’s essential to highlight that body weight is determined by a complex interplay of factors, including height, age, gender, the amount of muscle mass, and genetics, in addition to metabolic rate.
There are two main categories of causes that can lead to a slow metabolism: genetic causes and pathological causes. Some people may have a lower metabolic rate due to genetic factors, but this doesn’t necessarily imply health problems. On the other hand, medical conditions can affect the metabolic rate and have a significant impact on overall well-being.
Among the most common pathological causes that can slow down metabolism are hypothyroidism, low muscle mass, and adrenal insufficiency. Additionally, the accumulation of adipose tissue, typical of overweight individuals, can negatively influence metabolic rate by affecting the function of important hormones such as testosterone. As the specialist reminds us, “it is essential to address the underlying causes of a slow metabolism and treat them appropriately to improve overall health and well-being,”