Increase metabolism naturally to speed fat loss

A lowered Metabolism is very often the reason weight loss progress grinds to a sudden halt. In frustration dieters cut even more calories but still the results are slow because a protein loss cycle lowers metabolism further.

A net loss of protein will always decrease metabolism. As protein is lost from cells it gradually lowers the total lean body weight, this affects the body composition and lowers the metabolism.

Its a physiological fact that when losing weight we also lose protein from muscle and the more rapid the weight loss the more protein is lost. Protein holds four times its weight in water and accounts for a large percentage of any rapid weight loss.  Think about if someone lost 5 pounds in a week then how could it possibly be fat as this amount of fat loss would require an extra 17500 calories to be burned. Maybe only 1 pound of this loss would be fat!

Protein and thus fluid replacement is the main reason many dieters regain weight after a diet. Again think about when this same person regains 4 pounds in a week then does it mean that person has eaten an extra 14000 calories?

Even if more exercise is undertaken a net loss of protein can occur if calorie intake is low.

Remember dieters reduce their calorie intake but exercise uses extra calories so the body must use more protein to convert into carbohydrates. It must do this as fat needs oxygen to burn and because many overweight people tend to have untrained cardiovascular systems which cannot supply enough oxygen to the demanding cells for them to continue burning fat, thus the cells need more carbohydrates.

Exercise can increase metabolism but the trick for the unfit person is to perform the correct exercise and not cut calories too much too soon. To lose FAT weight fast the best way is to prepare the body by increasing the metabolism BEFORE cutting any calories. That way your body can establish its fat burning energy metabolism without resorting to protein metabolism first.

An increase metabolism provides many benefits to help maintain continuous and permanent weight loss:

• less exercise would be needed - giving you more time

• less effort if you do exercise - no need to try burning lots of calories at each session!

• less chance of weight regain later

• still enjoy some favorite foods - no need to be as strict on the diet

• less time spent preparing low / non fat recipes and meals

• save money from not needing to buy all the expensive low fat varieties

A step by step program to increase metabolism is beyond the scope of this article. Leading fitness expert Tom Venuto's new e-book is highly recommended!

 

SOME FACTORS THAT HELP INCREASE METABOLISM RATE

 

1. BODY COMPOSITION:

Body composition or proportion of weight determines the speed of metabolism. Body composition is the difference between total lean weight compared to fat weight. A higher degree of lean body weight will mean a high metabolic rate compared to an individual of the same weight with a higher fat percentage, think of a body builder compared to a Sumo wrestler!

 

 

2. BODY SIZE:

Size of the body has a major influence on the speed of metabolism. A naturally big body means more cells to maintain which requires more calories, therefore larger people tend to have a high metabolism.

 

 

3. AGE:

Age affects the metabolism for both men and women. After 30 years of age there is usually a gradual decline in lean body weight and an increase in fat weight although this is mainly due to hormonal changes. Exercise and Aging (video) by Larry Golding is available here!

 

 

4. HEREDITARY:

Differences in our genes can increase metabolism. Some people can be the same weight, fat percentage and  age but possess different body types resulting in different metabolic rates. Other genes influence the production of more "beneficial" enzymes speeding chemical reactions which aid fat uptake and utilization.

 

Genetics is a highly complex subject and well beyond the scope of this site. If you would like to learn more about how genetics can influence exercise and weight loss results we recommend this in depth video by James S. Skinner.

 

 

5. DRUGS:

There are some pharmaceutical drugs that can influence the speed of metabolism but the more common ones are nicotine and caffeine although the effects are very slight and the health risks tend to outweigh the benefits!

 

 

6. PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE:

Acute stress or anxiety can cause a rapid increase in energy expenditure. When a person is said to be "on edge" or nervous they are in a state of high alert, different chemicals circulate the blood vessels to communicate with cells to break down energy stores (carbs and protein) in order to provide a greater supply of energy.

 

 

7. HORMONES:

Hormones control many of the body's main chemical processes which often influence metabolism. A rise in some of the body's important hormones through regular exercise or even through genetic disorders can increase lean weight and change body fat composition.

 

 

8. TEMPERATURE:

It may sound strange but the climate around us will increase metabolism. If we are too cold we shiver and shivering burns extra energy as muscle cells constantly contract and relax to produce heat in order to maintain body temperature. When we are hot we also burn more calories through the process of sweating.

 

 

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* You must seek approval from your doctor/physician before starting any new exercise or changing diet.