There's no easy way to lose weight. To take in fewer calories than you burn, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends cutting to calories a day to lose 1 to 1. Add more physical activity to get to your weight-loss goals faster and maintain your weight loss.

A health care provider, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, can help you explore ways to lose weight. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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Show references Goldman L, et al. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Elsevier; Accessed Sept. Preventing weight gain. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Perreault L, et al. Obesity: Genetic contribution and pathophysiology. Piaggi P. Metabolic determinants of weight gain in humans. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Department of Health and Human Services.

Dietary supplements for weight loss: Fact sheet for health professionals. Research suggests the more hydrated you are , the better able your body is at just about everything from thinking to making exercise easier. Tip: Try starting the day off with a glass of water or drink a glass before you eat your meals.

To determine how much water to drink per day, divide your weight in half. The number you get should be your liquid amount in ounces. Besides these healthy eating tips, one of the best ways to speed up your metabolism is with weight or muscle strengthening.

Lean muscle mass increases your metabolism. Muscle is metabolically active, which means people with lean, muscular bodies need more energy to function than people with a higher percentage of body fat.

Make sure to talk with your doctor before beginning any new workout routine. UnityPoint Health News and Articles 12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss. Legumes Also known as beans Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Legume is a general term used to describe the seeds of plants that are in pods.

Chili Peppers Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Hot peppers like chili peppers and jalapeños contain the chemical capsaicin, which gives these vegetables their heat. Lean Meats Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Chicken, turkey and other protein-packed lean meats take more energy for your body to break down than carbohydrate or fat-rich foods, therefore, burning slightly more calories during the digestive process.

Low-Fat Milk Metabolism-Boosting Powers: The calcium and vitamin D found in milk are essential for building dense muscle mass, which is important for overall health. Broccoli Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. Lentils Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Lentils are a type of legume and are packed with iron, magnesium and potassium.

Oatmeal Metabolism-Boosting Powers: This is a powerhouse full of fiber that will not only help you last through the morning without hunger but will slow down the release of sugar into your blood stream. Berries Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are low in calories and high in fiber.

Almonds Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber and protein, which is a combination that curbs hunger. Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Cottage cheese is low in fat, low in carbs and high in protein, making it ideal for healthy eaters.

Tempeh Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Tempeh is a great protein substitute for meat if you are looking for a vegetarian option. Tip: Try using Tempeh in stir-fries, sandwiches, bowls or wraps. Water Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Water can suppress your appetite and maybe boost your metabolism for a short amount of time.

Interval training is highly intensive and may be more suitable for people who are already fit than those who are new to regular exercise. How can exercise help you build muscle?

Staying hydrated is essential for the body to function at its best. Water is necessary for optimal metabolism, and it may help a person lose weight. In , scientists assessed the metabolic rate of 13 people who consumed either or milliliters ml of water. They found evidence of increased fat oxidation after ml when a person is at rest, and concluded that drinking water may have an impact on metabolism.

However, they did not find that it increased metabolic rate. This may happen because the additional water helps the body burn fat preferentially over carbohydrate. How much water should I drink each day? Stress affects hormone levels, and it can cause the body to produce more cortisol than usual.

Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate appetite. In , researchers found unusually high cortisol levels in people with disordered eating. The body releases cortisol in times of stress.

However, the authors of a small study found no evidence linking resting metabolic rate and anxiety. Stress could also have an indirect impact by affecting eating patterns and sleep, both of which can alter the rate of metabolism. Why does stress happen, and how can I manage it?

People who have less sleep may have a lower metabolic rate, according to research from The study took place in a sleep laboratory, and participants slept 4 hours per night for 5 nights followed by one night of 12 hours sleep.

Their metabolic rate fell after the nights with little sleep but returned to their usual levels after the night of recovery sleep. The authors believed the body reduces metabolic rate to conserve energy when a person sleeps less.

They noted this could lead to weight gain in people who do not get enough sleep. The need for sleep varies between individuals, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommend that adults aged 18—60 should have at least 7 hours per night.

What should you do if you have trouble sleeping? The results of a rodent experiment from suggested that a low intake of various B vitamins could impact the rate at which the body metabolizes lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

More research may be needed to understand the relationship between vitamins, metabolism, and weight loss. A complete guide to B vitamins, types, sources, and more.

Some research has suggested that eating spices such as chili, which contains capsaicin, can increase metabolic rate, including the rate at which the body burns fat and uses energy.

A study from China found that people who ate spicy food every day were more likely to have a high body mass index BMI than those who did not.

The researchers noted that more investigations are needed to find out why this happens. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that while eating hot chilies might boost metabolic rate temporarily, it is unlikely to have a significant impact.

What are some healthy herbs and spices? Thyroid hormone stimulates the production of substances that increase oxygen consumption, respiration rate, and body temperature. This involves a higher rate of energy consumption.

Conversely, the body of a person with hypothyroidism is likely to burn energy at lower rate. Their metabolic rate may be slower, and they may have a higher risk of weight gain and obesity. For those with hypothyroidism, taking medications that increase the levels of thyroid hormone can increase their resting metabolic rate.

Seeking help for hypothyroidism can help speed up metabolic rate and reduce the risk of complications linked to this condition. What is hypothyroidism and how can you recognize it?

Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which the body uses energy and burns calories. The body uses most of its energy this way. Metabolic rates vary widely between individuals, so it is not possible to specify a standard or high metabolic rate. However, the higher the rate, the quicker a person will use the energy they take in from food, which may reduce the chance of weight gain.

It is not always possible for a person to change their metabolic rate, but exercise and dietary measures may help.