Does Metabolism Really Matter For Weight Loss?

Often people complain that no matter how many diets they try, or exercises they do, they cannot seem to lose weight. They conclude that they just have a slow metabolism and are destined to forever remain at an unsatisfactory weight. Sometimes the inverse is true; people will boast they can eat as much as they want and will not gain a pound, due to their fast metabolism. Are these claims true, but more importantly, do they matter?

Before we look at whether metabolism can affect weight loss, we first must establish the key factor in weight loss – calories. Eat 3,500 calories above maintenance and you gain one pound of fat, eat 3,500 calories below and you lose a pound. So, all you have to do is calculate your maintenance and weight loss should be simple, right? Well, it might be simple, but it is certainly not easy.

Everyone has different levels of hunger, and a different number of maintenance calories (the number of calories your body uses per day). A low level of maintenance calories combined with a large appetite can make your weight loss phase more challenging. While these factors technically do not make weight loss impossible, they do make it so that a much higher level of willpower is required to reach your goals. Two people can eat the exact same amount and one might gain weight, while the other might lose. But all that is necessary to lose weight is to eat on the level your body requires. If you are already in a position where you are looking to lose weight, chances are your maintenance level is higher than an average person, as all that extra fat needs calories as well. It is important to stop blaming your metabolism and take control.

Another factor that heavily influences the success of your diet is hunger. While some people can skip breakfast, have a bagel for lunch, and then just a sandwich for dinner, others crave their lunch even before breakfast. In combination with a slightly “slow metabolism,” this can kill your diet. Techniques such as volume eating, and intermittent fasting can help if you find your appetite is out of control. The trick here is to use every method you can sustain to help create that magic caloric deficit. So, while a slow metabolism can make someone’s diet more challenging, it is not the be all and end all when it comes to losing weight. If you stay consistent with your diet, apply techniques to keep your appetite in control and go at a sustainable pace, you will lose weight.

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Moshe Orbach was born and bred in Kew Gardens Hills. Moshe is a product of our yeshivah system and yearns to give back to his community. Fitness and health are Moshe's longtime passions. Moshe wants everyone to lead their daily life energized, and aware of their body's potential, no matter their age. Moshe can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..