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Impact of sex and age on metabolism, sympathetic activity, and hypertension. FASEB j. Pesta DH, Samuel VT. A high-protein diet for reducing body fat: Mechanisms and possible caveats.

Nutr Metab Lond. Vij VA, Joshi AS. Effect of 'water induced thermogenesis' on body weight, body mass index and body composition of overweight subjects. J Clin Diagn Res. Wingfield HL, Smith-Ryan AE, Melvin MN, et al. The acute effect of exercise modality and nutrition manipulations on post-exercise resting energy expenditure and respiratory exchange ratio in women: a randomized trial.

Sports Med Open. Stavres JR, Zeigler MP, Bayles MP. Six weeks of moderate functional resistance training increases basal metabolic rate in sedentary adult women. Int J Exerc Sci. Esmaeelpanah E, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Green tea and metabolic syndrome: A year research update review.

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Effects of two-week sleep extension on glucose metabolism in chronically sleep-deprived individuals. J Clin Sleep Medi. Alperet DJ, Rebello SA, Khoo EYH, et al. The effect of coffee consumption on insulin sensitivity and other biological risk factors for type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

American J Clin Nutrition. Ohkawara K, Cornier MA, Kohrt WM, Melanson EL. Effects of increased meal frequency on fat oxidation and perceived hunger. Obesity Silver Spring. Yates T, Edwardson CL, Celis-Morales C, et al. Metabolic effects of breaking prolonged sitting with standing or light walking in older South Asians and White Europeans: A randomized acute study.

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy eating for healthy weight. Coping with stress. Wilson SA, Stem LA, Bruehlman RD. Hypothyroidism: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. By Mark Gurarie Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content.

Use profiles to select personalised content. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Your metabolism is the process your body uses to convert energy from food for all its functions. You rely on your metabolism to breathe, think, digest, circulate blood, keep warm in the cold, and stay cool in the heat.

It is a common belief that raising your metabolism helps you burn more calorie. Unfortunately, there are more myths about boosting metabolism than tactics that work. Some myths can backfire. If you think you are burning more calories than you actually are, you could end up eating more than you should.

It is true that you burn more calories when you exercise , especially when you get your heart rate up with activities like biking or swimming. That increased calorie burn lasts as long as your workout. You might keep burning extra calories for an hour or so after that, but the aftereffects of exercise stop there.

Once you stop moving, your metabolism will go back to its resting rate. If you load up on calories after a workout, thinking your body will keep burning calories the rest of the day, you risk weight gain. What to do: Exercise for your health and refuel with healthy foods. Do not let exercise give you an excuse to overindulge in high-calorie foods and drinks.

Muscle burns more calories than fat. So will building more muscle not boost your metabolism? Yes, but only by a small amount. Most regular exercisers only gain a few pounds fewer kilograms of muscle.

That is not enough to make a big difference in the number of calories you burn. Plus, when not in active use, muscles burn very few calories. Most of the time, your brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs account for most of your metabolism. What to do: Lift weights for stronger bones and muscles.

Make strength training part of a well-rounded exercise program that includes activities to get your heart pumping. To keep off extra weight, you also need to eat a healthy diet and appropriate portions. Eating foods like green tea, caffeine, or hot chili peppers will not help you shed excess pounds kilograms.

Some may provide a small boost in your metabolism, but not enough to make a difference in your weight. Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? What is a tongue-tie? What parents need to know. Which migraine medications are most helpful? How well do you score on brain health?

Shining light on night blindness. Can watching sports be bad for your health? Beyond the usual suspects for healthy resolutions. March 30, Is a sluggish metabolism to blame for your weight gain? Share This Page Share this page to Facebook Share this page to Twitter Share this page via Email.

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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.

A good metabolic rate may help with weight management. But for those seeking to lose weight, it is better to focus on eating a varied diet with plenty of whole foods and being physically active.

While some foods, such as spices, may help boost rates temporarily, they are not a long term solution. It is always best to speak with a doctor before adjusting the diet or making changes to an exercise routine.

Metabolism is the process the body uses to break down food and nutrients for energy, as well as to support different body functions. What people eat…. Metabolism involves biochemical reactions in the body and is central to maintaining life. What are the myths and facts of metabolism?

Can you speed…. The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures the levels of cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, and free testosterone in the body. Learn what the results…. Recent evidence suggests that a plant-based diet can aid weight loss by improving metabolism and reducing the amount of fat that accumulates around….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to increase your metabolism. Medically reviewed by Adam Bernstein, MD, ScD — By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on December 9, Eat at regular times.

Eat enough calories. Eat more protein. Drink green tea. Do resistance training. Drink enough water. Reduce stress. Get enough sleep. Get enough vitamins. Remember, metabolism is just one piece of the weight-loss puzzle.

Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Fish salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Your body burns slightly more calories digesting protein than fat and carbohydrates. Tip: The American Heart Association recommends people should eat fatty fish at least two times per week.

Take an omega-3 fatty acid vegetarian-friendly or fish oil supplement. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Legume is a general term used to describe the seeds of plants that are in pods. They include high-protein black bean, chickpeas and kidney beans. Tip: Add legumes in an easy and affordable way by putting canned beans on your shopping list.

Try tossing beans in salads, soup recipes or pasta dishes. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Hot peppers like chili peppers and jalapeños contain the chemical capsaicin, which gives these vegetables their heat. Tip: Grill, stuff, steam, bake or stir-fry a serving of peppers, or serve them raw to pair with low-fat dips or cottage cheese.

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. Tip: Trim off any visible fat from meat and poultry, including the skin.

Low-fat cooking methods include broiling, roasting, sautéing, grilling and baking. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: The calcium and vitamin D found in milk are essential for building dense muscle mass, which is important for overall health.

Tip: Add low-fat milk instead of water to oatmeal, hot cereals and condensed cream soup. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. It's known for its high water and fiber content, which is a great combination to help you feel full.

Tip: Eat broccoli steamed or roasted. Or, enjoy it raw with a low-fat veggie dip. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Lentils are a type of legume and are packed with iron, magnesium and potassium. They are a great plant protein and fiber source with 8 grams of each.

Lentils come in a variety of colors including red, brown, green and yellow. All are equally healthy for you. Tip: Adult women should get more than twice the amount of iron as men. One cup of lentils provides about 35 percent of your daily iron needs.

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.

Tip: Start the day with a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning or make overnight oats the night before in a mason jar for an on-the-go breakfast. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are low in calories and high in fiber.

Fiber promotes overall weight loss by reducing your appetite. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber and protein, which is a combination that curbs hunger. Tip: Enjoy a handful of almonds between meals to avoid unhealthy snacks or chop them up for a crunchy salad topper.

Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Cottage cheese is low in fat, low in carbs and high in protein, making it ideal for healthy eaters. Tip: Add a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese to a berry smoothie for a non-traditional twist.

What to do: Choose foods for their good nutrition and taste. Eat a variety of healthy foods that fill you up without filling you out. Unfortunately, there is little scientific evidence that eating small, frequent meals boosts metabolism.

Spreading your meals throughout the day might keep you from getting too hungry and overeating. If so, it is a good idea. Athletes perform better when they eat more often in smaller amounts. If you are someone who has a hard time stopping once you start eating, 3 meals a day may make it easier for you to stick to an appropriate intake than lots of little snacks.

What to do: Pay attention to your hunger cues and eat when you feel hungry. Keep track of your daily diet and limit high-sugar, high-fat snacks. A good night's sleep will not boost your metabolism but going without sleep can add weight. Sleep-deprived people tend to eat more calories than they need, possibly to deal with feeling tired.

What to do: Plan your schedule so you have enough time for sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, look into ways to unwind before bedtime and make your bedroom comfortable for sleep.

Talk to your health care provider if self-care tips for better sleep do not help. While it is true that our metabolism is slower than when we were kids, a lot of mid-life weight gain happens because we become less active. Jobs and family push exercise to the back burner.

When we do not move as much, we lose muscle and gain fat. As you get older, you may also have trouble regulating your meals. After a big meal, younger people tend to eat less until their bodies use up the calories.

This natural appetite control seems to fade as people get older. Unless you pay close attention, big meals can quickly add up.

What to do: As you get older, it is important to make exercise a regular part of every day. By staying active and sticking with smaller portions of healthy foods, you can ward off weight gain as you age.

Cowley MA, Brown WA, Considine RV. Obesity: the problem and its management. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Your body takes more time to break down protein than fat or carbs, so you end up feeling fuller for longer. Because it takes longer to burn protein than carbs or fat, your body uses more energy absorbing the nutrients in a high-protein diet.

A quick way to get in more protein is to add whey to a smoothie. Fat oxidation, the process of breaking down fatty acids, and the thermic effect, the extra energy your body needs during digestion, was greater with whey than with soy or casein.

Caffeine speeds up your central nervous system, and that can boost your metabolism. What's more, coffee can give you energy and antioxidants. Coffee also improves energy levels during exercise, helping you work harder and longer and burn more calories in the process.

However, the boost that your metabolism gets from caffeine will be small, and you probably won't notice any change in weight because of it. Green tea and oolong tea may also help increase metabolism. Research has suggested both teas may be able to help you burn more fat. Unfortunately, the effects of the added fat-burning boost from tea won't be enough to affect a person's weight.

It might be beneficial for your metabolism to stand, when possible, or just move around if you're sitting for long periods.

Whenever you're physically active and moving, you can burn more calories compared to if you're stationary or seated. One of the benefits of less stress is a better metabolism: Research suggests that when you're stressed out, your metabolism stalls. There are a few possible reasons for this, but one is that chronic stress stimulates the production of betatrophin, a protein that inhibits an enzyme needed to break down fat.

De-stressing may not always be easy, but it can be achievable in some cases. You can reduce stress by doing something that you enjoy but also find relaxing, like reading a book or taking a walk.

Research has found that sleep is important for regulating your metabolism. One study's findings indicated that, after a few days of sleep deprivation , study participants felt less full after eating and metabolized the fat in their food differently.

While getting enough sleep isn't exactly a boost to your metabolism, it can keep you from experiencing weight gain. It's recommended that adults get at least seven hours of sleep a night. If you're having a hard time hitting seven hours a night, try getting into new bedtime habits that will help you get a full night of sleep.

Your metabolism can be affected by different factors, but it's possible to boost it. Regular movement, including activities like strength and interval training, making changes to your diet, and getting enough sleep are all ways to see potential improvements to your metabolism.

A combination of drinking enough water, getting enough exercise, and eating a healthy balanced diet can help your metabolism burn fat. Chili peppers, cocoa, nuts, and green tea have all been suggested to have a positive effect on metabolism.

However, nutrient-rich foods in general can be beneficial for metabolism. It may be possible for dieting to have an effect on metabolism. However, more research is necessary to determine what exact conclusions can be drawn between diets and metabolism. Mcmurray RG, Soares J, Caspersen CJ, Mccurdy T.

Examining Variations of Resting Metabolic Rate of Adults: A Public Health Perspective. Can you boost your metabolism? Atakan MM, Li Y, Koşar ŞN, Turnagöl HH, Yan X.

Evidence-based effects of high-intensity interval training on exercise capacity and health: a review with historical perspective. Tan J, Krasilshchikov O, Kuan G, et al. The effects of combining aerobic and heavy resistance training on body composition, muscle hypertrophy, and exercise satisfaction in physically active adults.

Muscle cells vs. fat cells. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much physical activity do adults need? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Metabolism myths and facts. Martin A, Fox D, Murphy CA, Hofmann H, Koehler K.

Tissue losses and metabolic adaptations both contribute to the reduction in resting metabolic rate following weight loss. Int J Obes. American Council on Exercise. Eat protein and do weight training. Your metabolism increases whenever you eat, digest, and store food, a process called thermic effect of food.

Protein has a higher thermic effect compared with fats and carbohydrates because it takes longer for your body to burn protein and absorb it. It's not clear how much of an effect protein has on metabolism, but studies suggest the best approach is to combine adequate protein intake with weight training, which increases muscle mass — and that also can boost metabolism.

Drink green tea. Studies have found green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate, which may increase the calories and fat you burn. A meta-analysis published in Obesity Reviews found that consuming about milligrams of epigallocatechin gallate the amount in about three cups of green tea helped boost metabolism enough to burn an average of extra calories a day.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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