Why Do I Have a Sluggish Metabolism?

Most of us understand that there’s a link between our metabolism and our weight: In general, a faster metabolism supports weight loss, while a sluggish metabolism is more often associated with difficulties maintaining a healthy weight. But what many don’t know is that metabolism can vary a lot from one person to another, and over the course of a lifetime, our individual metabolic activity can fluctuate, too — sometimes, a lot.

In fact, those fluctuations are a major reason why many of us struggle with losing weight. Understanding why our metabolism slows down and what we can do to “speed it up” again are the keys to figuring out how to lose excess pounds and keep them off for good.

At STL Medical Weight Loss, Joseph Moleski, DO, and Margaurette Walsh, PA-C, focus on cutting-edge therapies designed to optimize metabolism and metabolic activity. In this post, learn what causes a sluggish metabolism and how our team can help ramp up your metabolic activity.

The myth of age

Metabolism refers to the processes our body uses to convert food to usable energy. While some of us have a naturally slower metabolism than others, many of us adhere to the notion that our metabolism tends to be faster when we’re younger, slowing down as we age. There is definitely some correlation between age and metabolism, but recent research shows it’s not what most people think.

When adjusted for body size, researchers found metabolic activity peaks during the first year of life, with infants expending about 50% more energy compared with adults. Metabolic activity continues to increase during childhood, although at a slower rate compared with infants when adjusted for larger body sizes.

By age 20, metabolic activity begins to level off, reaching a plateau that’s maintained until about age 60 — all the way through middle age. Not surprisingly, the same research shows metabolism declines in our 60s, although at a faster rate than previously believed. The take-home message: Weight gain in middle age may not be due to metabolism after all — at least, not to the extent once believed. Instead, other factors are almost certainly involved.

Understanding your sluggish metabolism

While age may affect your metabolism, its effects may be more indirect than previously thought. 

Low muscle mass

Muscle tissue burns calories much faster and more efficiently than fatty tissue. If you have low muscle mass, your metabolism can slow down dramatically, which is one reason why regular exercise is so important, particularly exercise involving strength training.

Hormonal issues

Most people think hormonal changes associated with midlife are responsible for weight problems. While estrogen and testosterone declines can definitely play a role, other hormonal issues can result in a slower metabolism, too, including hormones associated with thyroid disorders.

Metabolic conditions

Underlying metabolic disorders can also interfere with metabolism, making it less efficient in converting food to energy. Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes all make it harder for your body to process calories, slowing down metabolic activity and leading to weight gain.

Dietary habits

Everyone knows eating lots of high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain, but many don’t know that what they eat may interfere with metabolic activity, too. Specifically, highly processed and sugary foods make it harder for your body to process calories while disrupting the balance between glucose and insulin. Frequent or strict dieting can alter your metabolism, switching your body into “starvation mode” and ironically making it harder to lose weight.

Nutritional deficiencies

“Empty” calories aren’t the only culprit when it comes to slowing down your metabolism. Low levels of important nutrients, like protein and vitamin D, can contribute to a sluggish metabolism and make it harder to keep unwanted pounds at bay.

Optimize your metabolism

Having a sluggish metabolism can definitely take a toll on your weight (and your health), but the good news is medical treatment can help. Our team uses a multifaceted approach, with options like weight-loss medications, nutritional counseling, lifestyle guidance, and stress management, to help you keep your metabolism optimized and active.

To learn how we can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight at every stage of life, call or book an appointment online with STL Medical Weight Loss at our locations in Chesterfield, Missouri, or Dallas, Texas, or via our telehealth option today.