Test that shows you have a “slow metabolism”

ddsb1111
ddsb1111 Posts: 963 Member
in Health and Weight Loss

I read on another thread that someone took a test that showed they had a “slow metabolism” but no thyroid issues. Is this possible? What test is it?

Replies

  • PAV8888
    PAV8888 Posts: 14,985 Member

    You can do an RMR test commercially with a korr metabrether or a metabolic cart. Oxygen and CO2 at rest.

    Major confounding for the snapshot would be stuff that would decrease or increase your rate recently

    Deficit or overage eating, recent exercise, illness, thinking too much, having had coffee, needing to pee

    Absent being substantially more than a tiny bit off the mean... a series of tests over time would be needed etc etc.

    If you log and measure your weight trend and have an "impartial" device you can estimate your tdee delta from the device.... beyond that I guess there is no reason to not spend money that you won't miss. But a single snapshot of your RMR is similar to a single weigh in. Gives some information. But not a clear picture

  • tomcustombuilder
    tomcustombuilder Posts: 2,477 Member

    I wouldn't waste your money on those tests. They're not really that accurate. It's not gonna change your metabolism anyway you get what you get. Based on your lifestyle, you're going to maintain your weight at X number of calories. If you cannot lose fat at those calories, then you need to lower those calories.

  • ddsb1111
    ddsb1111 Posts: 963 Member
    edited 3:29AM

    Interesting- I never realized there was an accurate way to test for a slow metabolism. I always assumed a slow metabolism usually meant low NEAT. I wouldn’t personally pay for those kinds of tests, but I can understand why someone would if it’s actually possible to have high NEAT and still a slow metabolism. That would honestly surprise me, and make it more understandable why someone might want to dig deeper and at least rule out anything else going on.

    Appreciate the responses!

    ETA- They said it was a blood test. How? Again, didn’t know this was possible (and still don’t). But I wouldn’t be surprised if a doctor suggested it.

  • claireychn074
    claireychn074 Posts: 1,822 Member

    I think “slow” is subjective. It’s rare to have a truly slow or fast metabolism without hormone issues, and those are serious and need treatment. Everyone’s metabolism is on a scale and I would be really surprised if there was much difference between slow and normal in percentage points - unless indicated by hormones.

    To give context, I had a “fast” metabolism for c26 years. It was absolute hell and I felt dreadful a lot of the time with deeply unpleasant side effects. Yet it was only just classed as fast - because of the scale I mentioned. I still managed to put weight on even with a faster metabolism. It just meant I felt ill. Pretty much all the time.

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