MedGem results:slow metabolism

ddiestler
ddiestler Posts: 353 Member
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok, so I was a bit frustrated to learn I have a slow metabolism. I am 4'11 and currently weigh 167..I started around 194. However, weight loss has been a bit slow. So, I had a test done to determine functioning of my metabolism so I know how much to eat.

So, now my recommended calorie intake is 1200 cal a day. Hasn't been much of a problem the last few weeks so I think I can get used to it. I do exercise but don't always count those extra couple hundred calories.

I asked the dietician about starvation mode and she said anything less than 1200 would kick it in.

Any advice/thouths on slow metabolism? Is there anything I can do to increase it?

Replies

  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    I don't have advice regarding a slow metabolism, but I too am 4'11. I usually eat around 1200-1300 calories a day (sometimes much more and sometimes a bit less), but I don't consistently eat back my exercise calories. I only usually burn around 250-300 calories anyway, but at my height, I don't lose weight if I eat any more. So my only advice is to exercise more if you want to eat more...
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    I have been doing this for almost one year. When I was only doing cardio, I was able to lose 15 pounds but a big part of those pounds were muscles. The result was a slower metabolism since muscle mass is so important. What I had to do, is to start strenght training.....heavy strenght training and put myself at a calorie surplus for 2 months. That was I was able to add a little bit of muscle mass. Since last week. I am doing 2 weeks moderate deficite 2 weeks maintenance.

    It made the scale move down but in theory I should maintain my muscle mass.

    So to answer your question, you have to build muscle mass but it is impossible to do it at a calorie deficite.
  • MissHector
    MissHector Posts: 4 Member
    i read that avocado can help speed up your metabolism...
  • illecl
    illecl Posts: 30 Member
    My dietician says concentrating on lean protein, vegetables and fruit (not tons of fruit for the sugar) and some complex carbs (like whole grains) to a minimum will help with a slower metabolism. Strength training will build muscle, which burns lots more calories than fat. Eat carbs early in the day, not at night. Depressing, I know.

    Carol
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    If you don't lift weights yet start. Don't just lift light either. Find a good program like on bodybuilding.com then work on lifting heavy. You won't bulk up and building muscle increases your metabolism. When I started lifting heavy I went from being stuck to losing 14 pounds in 8 weeks.

    Edit: What was said about not building muscle on a calorie deficit isn't quite true. I've put on 3 pounds of muscle in the last 6 months while on a calorie deficit. It's a delicate balance though and requires lots of protein.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    i read that avocado can help speed up your metabolism...

    Unfortunately, it isn't that simple.
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