Is Metabolism Inherited and If So, Can It be Changed?

The dictionary defines metabolism as "the sum of all biochemical processes involved in life or the sustaining of life."  For most of us, our view of metabolism is related to the intake and use of food.

The Joy of Having Fast Metabolism

Why is that some people can seem to eat anything they want and still be slim?  When people have high rates of metabolism, their bodies burn up food almost as fast as it is eaten. Those with high metabolism tend to be slim.  People who have low rates of metabolism use their food intake very slowly.  People with slow rates of metabolism have a tendency to become obese.

Metabolism and Genetic Factors

There may be some truth to awful comments such as, "Well, she's big because she comes from big stock."  Generally, we tend to inherit the same tendencies for metabolic rates, body frames, and other related body functions from our parents.

Everyone is different.   We all burn calories at different rates, with different results. To control our weight, we need to understand and accommodate our unique metabolic rate.

Speeding Up Metabolism

The metabolic process is related to our calorie intake, our vitamin and nutrition needs, our thyroid and endocrine production, and how well all of these processes come together. For years, people have tried to figure out how to raise their metabolic rate as part of their weight control program. Increasing one's metabolism makes weight loss goals more achievable.

Unfortunately, there have been few clinically proven formulas for raising metabolism.  Some foods seem to naturally raise our metabolic rate, but not to a degree where we can see a significant benefit.

Exercise and building muscle mass have so far created the best results for increasing metabolism.  As muscle mass is built, body fat is reduced.   Adding more muscle to the body causes us to burn more calories, thus elevating our metabolic rate.

Another factor in our metabolic rate appears to relate to how well we have taken care of our nutritional needs. The process of burning calories and creating energy is a delicate one, and one which must be carefully tended, or it can become imbalanced. It is often through these natural imbalances that we tend to “inherit’ our metabolic rate.