Metabolism x weight loss: understand the relationship –

Diets and weight loss treatments do not work the same way for everyone due to several aspects, including metabolism.

Metabolism is a set of reactions in our body that allows capturing and transforming the energy of food for the body’s functions and maintenance of life, according to the endocrinologist and metabologist Igor Barcelosspecialized by the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

“Some factors contribute to the decrease in the basal metabolic rate, such as aging, nutritional deficiencies, sedentary lifestyle, sleep deprivation, low water intake, little muscle mass and others”, he highlights.

types of metabolism

Considering that there are three types of metabolism (ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph), for a person to have effective results in weight loss or muscle mass gain, it is essential that he knows which of the categories his body falls into.

The endocrinologist says that, from tests such as calorimetry, it is possible to measure someone’s metabolism. “However, some formulas that assess the amount of muscle mass can help in this process”, he points out.

Ectomorph: characterized by accelerated metabolism. People who rely on it find it easy to burn calories. In general, they have a thin body, small shoulders and difficulty gaining weight.
Mesoform: Known as the “middle ground” of metabolism, the mesomorph makes both weight gain and weight loss difficult. These are people who have an athletic build, broad shoulders and good response to physical exercise.
Endomorph: It is the metabolic body type most prone to fat accumulation. Generally, they have thicker arms and legs, a round body and problems losing weight.

Relationship between slow metabolism and weight loss

A slow metabolism can make it difficult to lose weight. In addition, when the body is a little slower, fat can accumulate in new areas, hair and nails become drier and more brittle and, even with reduced nutrition, you continue to gain weight.

According to the endocrinologist, the way in which these elements are related to weight loss is determined by the energy balance. This means that the organism is directly influenced by the total calories consumed throughout the day and by caloric expenditure.

“In cases where the person consumes more calories than necessary and does not perform activities indicated to burn them, the energy that is left is stored by the body. And, when we consume fewer calories and practice more physical activity, energy expenditure is greater and we lose weight, ”he explains.

For patients with problems losing weight, the indication is to seek a medical evaluation to analyze whether there are hormonal deficiencies such as thyroid, testosterone and sex hormones, performing a replacement if necessary.

Practicing physical activity, increasing muscle mass and drinking water are also important to obtain good results.

Another recommendation is to consume more fibers, lean proteins and monounsaturated fats, since the body spends more energy to consume them.

“Sleeping between seven and eight hours a night, consuming foods with caffeine and catechins like green tea, coffee, peppers and cinnamon also help,” adds Dr. Igor.

Even if you have a slow metabolism, don’t think about giving up. With medical follow-up, you can improve the quality of your food, making caloric expenditure greater than consumption.

“However, there is no forbidden food. There are only those that should be eaten in the smallest amount possible, such as processed foods, fried foods, sweets and others”, concludes the doctor.