Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
We all know that metabolism plays an essential role in determining our weight, energy level, and overall health. But how can you tell if you have a slow or fast metabolism?
This blog will cover the differences between fast and slow metabolism, how hormones play a role, and what treatment options are available if your metabolism feels “stuck.”
Table of Contents
Fast Metabolism vs. Slow Metabolism
Metabolism is the process your body uses to convert the food you eat into energy. This energy powers many body processes. It helps with breathing and circulation. It also supports digestion and muscle repair.
Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a key part of metabolism. It is the number of calories your body needs to do basic functions at rest. These functions include keeping your heart beating and your lungs working. Your BMR accounts for most of the calories you burn each day, even before adding in activity and exercise.
A fast metabolism means a person usually has a higher BMR. Their body burns more calories overall than average. People with a fast metabolism may:
- Struggle to gain weight
- Feel hungrier more often
- Have high energy even on little sleep
- Run warmer than others
By contrast, the signs of a slow metabolism point to a lower BMR and a slower rate of calorie use. People with a slower metabolism may:
- Gain weight more easily, even with diet and exercise
- Feel tired or low on energy
- Notice they feel cold more often than others
- Struggle to lose weight despite regular exercise
- Experience constipation or infrequent bowel movements
Neither type of metabolism is automatically “better” or “worse.” The important thing is how well your body’s systems are balanced and whether your metabolism supports your overall health and energy.
Factors Influencing Metabolic Rate
Your metabolic rate isn’t fixed. Several factors determine how quickly or slowly your body burns energy:
- Age: Metabolism naturally slows as you get older.
- Muscle mass: Muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest.
- Activity level: Regular movement and exercise increase calorie use.
- Diet: Protein-rich foods take more energy to digest than processed foods.
- Genetics: Some people are simply predisposed to faster or slower metabolism.
- Hormones: Thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play a major role in regulating metabolism.
For many people, lifestyle habits like building muscle, eating well, and prioritizing sleep can help support a healthy metabolism. But when hormones are out of balance, these changes may not be enough.
How Hormone Changes Impact Metabolism
As we age, our hormone levels naturally begin to fluctuate. These changes can have a direct impact on our metabolism, often leading to weight gain and a decrease in energy.
Common hormone imbalances that can affect metabolism include:
- Thyroid issues: An underactive thyroid can slow down your metabolism, resulting in weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
- Estrogen dominance in women: Elevated estrogen levels can contribute to weight gain and hormonal imbalances.
- Low testosterone in men: Low testosterone levels can cause a decrease in energy, muscle mass, and increased body fat.
Do You Have a Slow or Fast Metabolism?
Here is a quick quiz you can take to see whether you may have a slow or fast metabolism. This is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you recognize some of the common signs that set the two apart.
Answer yes or no to each question:
- Do you gain weight easily, even when you eat a healthy diet?
- Do you often feel tired or low on energy?
- Do you feel colder than others in the same environment?
- Do you have trouble losing weight despite regular exercise?
- Do you feel hungrier than others, even after eating a full meal?
- Do you usually have high energy, even with less sleep?
- Do you tend to feel warmer than those around you?
- Do you experience frequent bowel movements compared to most people?
How to interpret your answers:
- More “yes” answers to questions 1–4 may suggest signs of a slow metabolism.
- More “yes” answers to questions 5–8 may suggest signs of a fast metabolism.
Remember, this is only a self-check. Hormone levels, age, muscle mass, and other health factors all influence metabolism. The most accurate way to know is through testing and a consultation with a healthcare provider.
When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough
If you’ve improved your diet, exercise, and sleep but still notice fatigue, stubborn weight changes, or other signs of a slow metabolism, hormone health may be the missing piece.
At the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, Dr. Kenton Bruice offers:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Restores balance for men and women.
- Weight Loss Injections: These can help regulate appetite, support fat loss, and improve energy.
- Personalized Plans: Nutrition and activity strategies that align with your hormone profile.
Dr. Kenton Bruice: Your Hormone Specialist in Denver
With over 20 years of experience in hormone therapy, Dr. Bruice creates personalized treatment plans designed to restore energy, support weight loss, and help patients age well.
To book an appointment at the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form.
📍Other Locations
Centennial Hormone Institute of Colorado
7009 South Potomac St, Suite 111, Centennial, CO 80112
📞(314) 222-7567
St.Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri
9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225 , St. Louis, MO.
📞(314) 222-7567