The Effects of Increasing Your Metabolism

Metabolism is the process by which the body takes in food and nutrients, and through a complex procedure converts it into energy. In combination with the amount of calories consumed, metabolism helps body weight either increase or decrease.

  1. More About Metabolism

    • When calories from fats, proteins and carbohydrates combine with oxygen, it releases energy for the body to use. While some people may complain of a slow metabolism for weight gain, usually it is the amount of calories taken in, and not enough exercise, says Katherine Zeratsky R.D., L.D. with Mayo Clinic.

    What is a Calorie?

    • A calorie is a unit of energy. Too many calories taken in results in weight gain, more calories burned than taken in results in weight loss.

    Slower Metabolism

    • According to Mayo Clinic staff, a person's metabolism slows down with age, resulting in the body needing less calories for energy, and men generally burn calories faster then women.

    Increasing Metabolism

    • Increasing metabolism can be done by increasing muscle mass in the body, or increasing the body's heart rate. Aerobic workouts will increase the heart rate, while weight training increases muscle mass.

    Results of Increased Metabolism

    • When metabolism is increased by exercise, either raising the heart rate, or increasing muscle mass, calories are burned faster and weight loss occurs.

    Diet Supplements and Herbs

    • Diet supplements and herbs that are advertised to boost metabolism are not a safe and effective method, and may have dangerous side effects.