Why is human metabolism slow

Slow metabolism in the human body may be related to genetic factors, aging, imbalanced diet, lack of exercise, hypothyroidism, and other factors.

1. Genetic factors

Some populations have low basal metabolic rates due to congenital genetic defects, which are usually manifested as family members having a tendency to gain weight or slow energy consumption. It can be confirmed through genetic testing, but more attention should be paid to the development of personalized diet and exercise plans in daily management.

2. Age increase

After the age of 30, the basal metabolic rate decreases by about 2% -5% every decade, which is closely related to decreased muscle mass and mitochondrial function decline. Maintaining regular resistance training can help delay muscle loss, while adjusting calorie intake to avoid fat accumulation.

3. Unbalanced diet

Long term insufficient protein intake can affect muscle synthesis, and an extreme low-carbon diet may reduce thyroid hormone activity. It is recommended to consume sufficient amounts of high-quality protein such as eggs and fish every day, and to maintain metabolic homeostasis with appropriate whole grains.

4. Lack of exercise

Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle atrophy and decreased capillary density, resulting in reduced resting energy expenditure. It is recommended to combine aerobic exercise and strength training, with high-intensity interval training having a particularly significant effect on improving metabolic rate.

5. Hypothyroidism

Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones can directly reduce the rate of cellular oxidative metabolism, often accompanied by symptoms such as chills and constipation. Confirmed through blood tests, commonly used medications include levothyroxine sodium tablets and other alternative treatments. Improving slow metabolism requires establishing long-term healthy habits. Ensuring 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep per day helps with leptin secretion and avoids extreme dieting to prevent a decline in metabolic adaptability. It is recommended to engage in 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week and increase the intake of natural metabolic promoting ingredients such as chili peppers and green tea in the diet. For patients with persistent fatigue and abnormal weight gain, timely medical examination should be conducted to identify pathological factors.