Does Metabolism Slow with Age?

Synopsis: One of the most common "facts" you hear is how your metabolism crashes with age.  Read onto find out why that's not true.

One of the most common things you hear is about how metabolism crashes with age, and how even in your late twenties it's that much harder to lose weight and get in shape than it is if you do it when you're younger.  While there is a grain of truth to this, most of how people believe this works is actually completely wrong.  If your metabolism is crashing in your late twenties, it is certainly not because of age!

At a certain age most people begin to lose muscle mass, and other bodily functions become less efficient.  This is particularly true looking at individuals who are going into retirement age from middle age.  But the number one reason this takes place is because of the loss in muscle mass, not because it automatically must happen with age!

For example, let's say we had a guy named Late Bloomer Larry.  Larry's a decent enough guy, but he plays video games and doesn't really exercise all the way into his early thirties.  He certainly doesn't do any weight training.  Something happens, and one day 33 year old Larry looks in the mirror and decides enough is enough.  He is going to work out to lose all the fat he's packed on over the years and he's going to build some muscle weight lifting because he's tired of being pushed around.

Fast forward to one year later, and Larry shed nearly 60 lbs of fat, but he's also put on 20 lbs in muscle.  In this situation, it is actually very possible that Larry's resting metabolism is the HIGHEST it's ever been.  Why?  Because Larry has more muscle mass than he has ever had, and he's eating better and staying active.  A straight downward trajectory is not set in stone.

Many people using the slower metabolism excuse are doing just that: making excuses.  Good meal and snacking habits, consistent workouts, and gaining muscle mass can help virtually anyone increase their metabolism, which is only going to continue to help in the battle of the bulge.

So next time you hear someone talking about how you shouldn't worry because your metabolism is slowing naturally and there's nothing you can do about it – don't listen.  Just remember that a good diet combined with a good exercise program can help you not only lose weight, but jack the metabolism back to as high as, or for some people maybe even higher than, it has ever been. Don't let these false stories based on a kernel of truth keep you from your goals.  Rev up that metabolism, and watch the pounds fall off!