Factors Affecting Metabolism and Weight

One of the most frequent questions that our clients ask us is "Why is it taking me so long to lose weight this time? I used to be able to drop ten pounds in a week."

I know how frustrating it can be to lose weight at a slower rate, especially when you're used to the weight just falling off.

But believe me; losing weight can be as simple as it can be difficult.

Losing weight can be as simple as making permanent changes in your life in order to promote long-term healthy eating habits and regular activity.

While there are certain factors that may influence your metabolism and make it difficult to lose weight, some of which you have control over and some of which you can't control.

Over the years we've worked with many clients helping to pinpoint those areas that affect them and keep them from losing weight.

Here are some of the things that can slow down your weight loss.

**** Family Heredity
Your genetic makeup and family history can influence weight, the way you are built, and the rate of your metabolism.

By looking at your family and its health history you might be able to find some genetics that are inhibiting your weight loss.

**** Men vs. Women
I know you've heard this before, but it's true. Men are different from women. Men have more muscle, which means a faster metabolism and quick weight loss.

Women carry extra body fat for bearing children, which means a slower metabolism resulting in slower weight loss.

**** Age
It's true; as you get older your metabolism slows down.
Your metabolism decreases about 1% a year starting in your late 20's. That's why it's not unusual to gain a few extra pounds each year.

**** Body Shape
What shape is your body? Are you shaped like an apple or a pear? If you are shaped like a pear you carry your weight in your hips and thighs.

This means a slower metabolism with a lower risk of weight-related diseases. If you are shape like an apple, you carry your weight around the middle.

While you have a faster metabolism and can lose weight easier, you do have a higher risk of weight related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease.

Other factors that can affect your weight loss and slow down your metabolism is the amount of muscle mass compared to fat mass, eating and exercise behavior, and your "set point theory".

Your "set point theory" is an internal control mechanism that dictates how much weight your body wants to carry, a higher set point means a higher body weight.

In order to change your set point you need lose weight slowly, approximately 1 - 2 lbs per week, in order to let your body adjust to the new set point naturally.

Learning & implementing the principles of nutrition and exercise is the only way to have control over your long term health and fitness.

If you want the guidance and accountability to finally reach the finish line, I would like to offer you a complimentary personal training consultation with me at Fitness Together - no obligations or strings attached.

Simply visit the link below and take your FREE Personal Training Consultation!

http://www.personaltrainingashburn.com/get-started.html

Eric Sutton
703-858-9220
http://www.AshburnFitness.com

PS. Take control of your long term health and fitness, take your FREE personal training consultation at:
http://www.personaltrainingashburn.com/get-started.html