How do I know if I have a slow metabolism?

[elleelise]

I think my metabolism is REALLY slow, but how can I tell for sure? All I know is that I don't get hungry that much, and one meal (of let's say, grilled chicken, veggies and rice) can satisfy me for hours. It's bizarre, because I have friends who get hungry all the time (generally they are shorter & more petite than me).

I'm wondering, is metabolism something purely hereditary? Does it have to do with how big you are (in terms of height/bone structure)? And how do you know what sort of metabolism you're dealing with?

Thanks for the answers!

-Danielle

 

[jeffisbig]

Chicken, veggies, and rice is actually a pretty filling meal =P I wouldn't be suprised. Though just because some of your friends have fast metabolisms doesn't necessarily mean yours is slow. It could be more in the "normal" range.

 

[Doc Bunkum]

I think my metabolism is REALLY slow, but how can I tell for sure? -Danielle

My understanding, Danielle, is that a "slow" metabolism is just another one of those myths so prevalent when people discuss "weight loss".

Myth: People who are overweight have slower metabolic rates.

Truth: With rare exceptions, people who are overweight have metabolic rates similar to or higher than lean people.

Studies comparing the resting energy expenditure of overweight people and lean people show little difference in basal metabolic rates. The ones that do show a difference show overweight people have higher metabolic rates.

to wit:

Thielecke, J. Möseneder, A. Kroke, K. Klipstein-Grobusch, H. Boeing and R. Noack. Determination of total energy expenditure, resting metabolic rate and physical activity in lean and overweight people. Zeitschrift für Ernährungswissenschaft Vol. 36, No. 4, December 1997 P310-312

Summary: A new2H/1H and18O/16O equilibration device was tested, standardized and employed for the determination of total energy expenditure. It was shown that overweight men and women have increased resting metabolic rate as well as increased total energy expenditure when compared to their lean counterparts. The physical activity level (PAL)index was slightly decreased which possibly suggests a decreased physical activity in obese people.

While some people do have slower metabolic rates due to hypothyroidism or other conditions, this is rare, and while some people may have genes that predispose them to gain fat more easily than others, these genes do not cause the fat gain. The fat gain is caused by a person’s behavior - mostly their eating habits but also their activity level.

You might like to read more on the subject over on Drew Baye's excellent blog