Metabolism

By maintaining metabolism at a normal rate, body weight can be controlled. Weight Loss and metabolism run hand in hand. Metabolism varies from person to person. Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions involved in the continual process of breakdown and renewal in the body. In short it is the rate at which your individual body burns up energy. One thing that can slow metabolism is dieting. Restricting caloric intake can cause your body to shift into an energy-conserving mode, because the body recognizes such a situation as one of famine, a situation in which conserving energy is vital to survival. For this reason, you may not have one precise level of caloric intake that maintains your weight. Perhaps you have cut 500 calories a day from what was previously your maintenance level caloric intake, and not lost a pound, especially if you did not simultaneously increase your level of exercise. Many dieters have seen this effect. However, just as dieting can slow rate of metabolism, there is something that one can do consciously to speed it up.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measured in calories describes the rate at which a body uses energy in a completely relaxed state. One would have a higher basal metabolic rate if he is moderately active during the day and follows a healthy diet. The body would require more calories for convertible energy and would use them at a faster pace. One could eat more but the body would require it to allow for such an active lifestyle where as one would not require as much energy or food to sustain a lifestyle without exercise or a balanced diet.

Weight loss and BMR

• Higher your BMR, easier it is to lose weight
• BMR decreases when you opt for a diet which has fewer calories than normal diet.
• BMR increases in response to increased physical activity
• to increase BMR, exercise is the only effective way
• obesity is not caused by a slow or lower BMR

A slower metabolism will most likely not result in weight loss, especially if your diet is slightly imbalanced. By speeding up metabolism, weight loss is more easily achievable because your body requires more food to convert into energy. Do not starve yourself or skip meals if your goal is weight loss. You will most likely gain weight. Kickstart your metabolism by eating in the morning. If you like fruits then go for it else you may opt for other foods. But eat! but do not overeat and make sure you exercise. A balanced diet will provide proper nutrients and minerals and also sufficient energy. Exercise helps to raise basal metabolic rate and your body will burn energy faster, even while you sleep.