What does' metabolism too slow 'mean

Slow metabolism usually refers to a basal metabolic rate lower than normal, which may manifest as symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and fear of cold. The basal metabolic rate is influenced by factors such as age, muscle mass, hormone levels, dietary structure, and exercise habits.

Aging is a common cause of slowed metabolism, and the body's muscle mass naturally decreases with age, leading to an increase in fat percentage and a decrease in resting energy expenditure. People who lack exercise for a long time have insufficient muscle mass and decreased metabolic activity of muscle cells, which will further slow down the rate of calorie consumption. Endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism can directly affect the secretion of thyroid hormones, which play a key role in regulating systemic metabolic rate. Insufficient secretion of these hormones can lead to typical metabolic manifestations such as low body temperature and delayed response. Extreme dieting or malnutrition may trigger the body's self-protection mechanism, reducing energy expenditure by lowering metabolism. Some genetic diseases, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, can lead to low cellular energy conversion efficiency, which is rare but may be accompanied by muscle weakness or developmental delay. When there are long-term metabolic abnormalities or symptoms such as edema and hair loss, it is necessary to seek medical attention to investigate pathological factors such as thyroid disease and adrenal cortex dysfunction. Maintaining regular strength training can help increase muscle mass and burn more calories per kilogram of muscle per day. Pay attention to sufficient intake of high-quality protein in diet, as the caloric effect of protein can temporarily increase metabolic rate. Moderate consumption of foods such as chili and ginger may slightly enhance metabolism by promoting thermogenesis. Avoid excessive dieting and ensure that daily calorie intake is not lower than basal metabolic requirements. When metabolic problems have not improved for a long time or are accompanied by other abnormalities, it is recommended to undergo medical examinations such as thyroid function, blood glucose, and blood lipids.