So, You Have a Slow Metabolism?

SO, YOU HAVE A "SLOW METABOLISM"?

Last week I ran an article entitled The Only 4 Things You Need to do to Lose Weightl

The most common reason (or excuse) I hear for someone’s inability to lose weight is “ I have a slow metabolism”.

If you compare people of the same weight, height, sex and age you’ll find a variance in metabolic rate of around 10-15%. We’re talking about Basil Metabolic Rate (BMR) which is the metabolic rate while at rest. So variances in activity levels are not included.

You can calculate you BMR HERE

Let’s look a little closer at that 10-15%

Using the FDA’s standard 2000 per calorie per day diet, the 10-15% comes to an average of 200-300 calories per day.

That difference amounts to about 4 oz. of chicken  or 16 oz of sweet tea, or 1 bagel, or 2 table spoons of mayonnaise, or 1 cup of white rice, or less than ½ of that Whopper you had for lunch…..you get the picture.

Before you get all up-in-arms because you are female and you’ve heard women have a slower metabolism you should note the following: The female metabolism is slower. Mostly for physiological reasons; men carry a higher percentage of muscle mass. The difference is a whopping 3% or about 55 calories per day, or about ½ of a banana or 1 apple or 3.5 oz. of 2% milk.

There are medical conditions that cause a slower metabolism, the primary one being Hypothyroidism. If you think that may be the case see your doctor. Hypothyroidism can lead to other problems.

Some medications can also cause weight gain. Ask your doctor if any affect you and, if so, ask about alternatives.

Here's the conclusion of a study by Mayo Clinic.
Conclusion
 Adults with low BMRs did not gain more weight than did adults with high BMRs, implying that habitual differences in food intake or activity counterbalance variations in BMR as a risk factor for weight gain in a typical Western population.

So let’s finally put this excuse to rest. Even if you have a “slow 

metabolism” you’re only 2 tbs of mayonnaise away from being able to lose weight.