Metabolism part 1 (metabolic set point)

Here is a term that receives a lot of attention in the sport and training world. People have a misunderstanding on how metabolism really works. This post will be part 1 in our metabolism series. Today's subject is metabolic set point and how to increase your metabolism.

Metabolism is controlled by your metabolic set point. It was discovered during an extensive weight loss study that your body seeks to maintain a certain base rate of metabolism, which has come to be called your metabolic set point. This set point is controlled by your genetics and the environmental factors. But the great thing about this process is it can be raised. Researchers have demonstrated that you can change your metabolic set point through dietary means and physical activity.  

The metabolic set point is the average rate at which your metabolism runs, and will result in a body composition set point. People with a slow metabolism seem to store fat easily, while people with a fast metabolism seem to be able to eat and never get fat. Your metabolic set point can be influenced by the external environment (climate), nutrition, exercise, and other factors. Studies have demonstrated that when individuals go on a low calorie diet, the body's metabolic set point becomes lower to conserve energy. It actually resets itself to burn fewer calories, thereby conserving energy. Exercises tends to keep the metabolic rate up, and more aerobic exercise tends to cause the body to burn more fat for energy.