Metabolism
Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. A faster metabolism means you’ll burn calories quicker and will be less likely to gain weight.
Your metabolism is affected by your genes and environment. Some people are simply born with a faster metabolism. For example, males tend to have a faster metabolic rate than females because they have more lean muscle mass than women.
Other factors that can affect your metabolism include:
- Age - As you get older, your metabolism naturally slows.
- Protein intake - A high-protein diet can boost your metabolic rate. It also enhances your body composition by reducing fat and increasing lean muscle mass.
- Physical activity - Exercise increases your metabolic rate by burning calories.
- Muscle mass - Lean muscle uses more energy than fat, so the more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism.
Hormones
Hormonal dysregulation can contribute to weight gain. Some hormones that may affect your weight include:
Leptin
Leptin regulates your body weight by sending signals to your brain when you're full and satisfied, which helps prevent overeating. Studies have found that leptin resistance can significantly increase the risk of obesity.
Insulin
Insulin regulates your blood sugar levels. When you have insulin resistance, less sugar is broken down and more is stored as body fat. This increases your risk of obesity.
Cortisol
Cortisol plays an important role in regulating your metabolism, blood sugar levels and stress. High cortisol levels are associated with obesity.
