by Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
A lot of my clients often complain that they can’t lose weight because of a “slow metabolism.” And, unfortunately, many companies capitalize on this belief by marketing products that promise a so called “metabolic advantage” to help melt away the pounds. My next blog entries will discuss everything you need to know about metabolism. Hope you enjoy!
So What Is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process (or rate) by which your body converts calories from food into energy. People often believe that a slim person’s metabolism is high and an overweight person’s metabolism is low, but this isn’t usually the case.
Metabolism alone does not determine your weight. Rather weight is dependant on the balance of calories consumed versus calories burned.
* Take in more calories than you need — you gain weight.
* Take in less calories than you need — you lose weight.
Metabolism is merely the engine that burns these calories and the scale that regulates your calorie needs.
Your metabolism (the amount of calories your body burns each day) involves three key things:
1. Basic Needs — This is known as your basal metabolic rate and covers the calories needed to sustain vital body functions; fuel for organs, breathing, circulating blood, adjusting hormone levels, plus growing and repairing cells. Typically, a person’s basal metabolic rate makes up 66 to 75% of the total calories the body requires for the day.
2. Digestion and Absorption of Food — About 10% of your day’s calories go towards the digestion and absorption of the food you eat. It’s ironic that you actually need calories to burn calories.
3. Physical Activity — Exercise, depending upon how active you are each day, accounts for the remainder of calories burned.
Figure out the approximate amount of calories your body burns each day:
1. Calculate your basal metabolic rate with this BMR Calculator.
2. Determine your total daily calorie needs by inputting your BMR into the following equation: Calories Required.
