When does your metabolism slow down: Slowed metabolism: Understanding the cause and impact

Dealing with a slowed metabolism has been a problem for many. When people are trying their level best to reach their weight loss goals and fail to hit the mark, that's when they should realize that their metabolism has slowed down. The concept of metabolism lies in two primary components - anabolism and catabolism.

Studying and gathering knowledge about both these terms will surely help in improving and accelerating the metabolism rate of an individual. It will eradicate the problems one faces with their metabolism being slowed.

Understanding slowed metabolism

Slowed metabolism (Image via Harvard Health)

Metabolism happens to be a complex biochemical process that comprises various chemical reactions within cells to sustain life. At its core, it involves the conversion of nutrients, primarily carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules—the energy currency of the body.

This ATP production is vital for maintaining bodily functions, such as breathing, pumping blood, and regulating body temperature.

In scientific terms, a slowed metabolism is also known as a reduced metabolic rate. It refers to the decrease in the body's ability to efficiently convert calories from food into energy and perform essential physiological processes. This phenomenon is often associated with weight gain and difficulty in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Factors contributing to slowed metabolism

Age: Factors contributing to a slowed metabolism include age, where the natural decline in metabolic rate occurs as individuals grow older. The loss of lean muscle mass and hormonal changes contribute to the reduced Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) at rest.

Muscle mass: Muscle mass plays a vital role since it requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue. When muscle mass decreases due to age or inactivity, the overall energy demands decrease, resulting in a slower metabolism.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes also influence metabolism. Imbalances or alterations in hormone levels, such as thyroid hormones or insulin, can impact metabolic function and lead to a slower metabolism.

Physical activity: Regular physical activity, particularly strength training and cardiovascular exercises helps maintain muscle mass and supports a higher metabolic rate. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a decrease in metabolic efficiency.

Diet: Extreme calorie restriction triggers the body's survival mechanisms, slowing down metabolism to conserve energy. Inadequate nutrition can negatively impact hormonal balance and metabolic function.

Slowed Metabolism (Image via Getty Images)

Genetics: Genetics plays a role as well. Some individuals naturally have a faster metabolism, while others may have a slower one, making weight management more challenging for the latter group.

Body composition: The composition of the body, specifically the ratio of muscle to fat, affects metabolism. Higher muscle mass tends to boost metabolic rate, while higher fat levels may lead to a slower metabolism.

Lack of sleep and chronic stress: Sleep quality is essential as poor sleep or insufficient rest can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to a slower metabolism. Chronic stress can also influence metabolism by impacting hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which may contribute to a slowed metabolic rate.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can alter hormone production and metabolism, contributing to a slowed metabolic rate.

Does metabolism slow down with age?

The age-related metabolic decline is characterized by a gradual decrease in metabolic rate as individuals grow older. At the core of metabolism lies the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), representing the minimum energy expended at rest to maintain essential bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell maintenance.

Various factors, including age, gender, body composition, and hormonal activity, influence the BMR. As people age, several physiological changes contribute to the decline in metabolic rate. A notable factor is the gradual loss of lean muscle mass, known as sarcopenia.

Working out to fasten metabolism (Image via Getty Images)

Muscle tissue exhibits higher metabolic activity than fat tissue, consuming more energy even when the body is at rest. Consequently, as older adults experience reduced muscle mass, their overall energy demands decrease, leading to a lower BMR.

When does your metabolism slow down?

In adulthood, the metabolic rate gradually declines, with noticeable effects becoming more prominent as individuals reach middle age and beyond. The age at which slowed metabolism becomes evident can vary from person to person, but it is generally considered to commence in the late 20s or early 30s.

Approaching their 40s and 50s, individuals experience metabolic changes, influenced by factors like the loss of lean muscle mass, hormonal shifts, and reduced physical activity, all contributing to a decrease in BMR.

As individuals progress into their 60s and beyond, the decline in metabolic rate may become more pronounced leading to slowed metabolism.