Keto Means
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya Pexels Logo Photo: Ksenia Chernaya

How do I know if my metabolism is working?

While it's hard to pinpoint the exact signs of a fast metabolism, there are possible indicators that may suggest your metabolism works at a faster rate. ... What are the signs of a fast metabolism? Weight loss. Anemia. Fatigue. Elevated heart rate. Feeling hot and sweaty often. Feeling hungry often throughout the day.

everlywell.com - Signs of a fast metabolism - Everlywell
Does an air fryer make it unhealthy?
Does an air fryer make it unhealthy?

Are Air-Fried Foods Better for You? By most measures, air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 14, 2019
What should I eat in the first week of keto?
What should I eat in the first week of keto?

Week 1 Ketogenic Diet Macros. ... Three rules for a Ketogenic Meal Plan | Week 1 Cut out potatoes, pasta, bread, rice, grains, beans, and sugar and...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 22, 2018

Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD on January 12, 2020. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields. Metabolism is the chemical process in your body that turns the food you consume into the energy needed to run the functions that keep you alive. The number of calories your body burns for fuel largely determines your metabolic rate—and some people are known to have a faster metabolism compared to others (meaning their bodies tend to burn more calories in a given time frame). So you may be wondering whether you have a fast metabolism—and if there are any signs that could clue you into this possibility. Here we’ll dive deeper into the possible signs of a fast metabolism, plus provide answers to other questions people commonly have about “fast metabolism”—so continue reading. Check your levels of three key hormones that affect metabolism and weight (cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) with the easy-to-use, at-home Metabolism Test. Note that this test does not give you a measurement of your metabolic rate.

What is the cause of fast metabolism?

Your metabolism, and your basal metabolic rate (sometimes referred to as just metabolic rate), is significantly influenced by genetics. That being said, a faster metabolism may be promoted over time by consistently building lean muscle mass and being cognizant of one’s caloric intake.

Several factors affect your metabolic rate, including:

Sex

Age

Muscle mass

Body size and composition

Physical activity

Hormone disorders (for example, Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism)

Factors that may contribute to a temporarily faster metabolism include:

Cold temperatures (your body has to work harder to keep you warm)

Fighting infection (increases a person’s basal metabolic rate)

What are the signs of a fast metabolism?

Wondering how to tell if you have a fast metabolism? While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact signs of a fast metabolism, there are possible indicators that may suggest your metabolism works at a faster rate.

Fast metabolism symptoms or signs of high metabolism may include:

Weight loss

Anemia

Fatigue

Elevated heart rate

Feeling hot and sweaty often

Feeling hungry often throughout the day

Is keto diet really worth it?
Is keto diet really worth it?

Mayo's verdict: While the ketogenic diet may be recommended for some people with uncontrolled epilepsy, the high fat content — and especially the...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 6, 2018
What is the number 1 most unhealthiest food?
What is the number 1 most unhealthiest food?

These are the worst foods for your health, experts say Fried food. ... Potato chips. ... Added sugars. ... Processed oils. ... Hydrogenated fats....

Read More »
Last updated Jun 16, 2018

It’s important to note that these symptoms are very often caused by other factors or serious health issues that don’t have to do with one’s metabolic rate—so be sure to consult with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any of the above. Experiencing changes in your weight or energy levels and aren’t sure why? The Everlywell at-home Metabolism Test lets you check 3 key hormones commonly associated with metabolism and weight to help narrow down possible causes and determine whether a hormone imbalance may be affecting your metabolism. Note that this test does not give you a measurement of your metabolic rate.

Is it good to have a fast metabolism?

Having a high basal and resting metabolic rate means that your body naturally burns more calories in a state of rest than someone with a lower metabolic rate. This means that the faster your metabolism is, the more calories your body needs. While having a fast metabolic rate is not necessarily good or bad in terms of health, making sure you take in enough calories to sustain yourself and nourish your body is important—while also striving not to take in too many calories, which can lead to an energy imbalance.

How long does it take to get a fast metabolism?

There is no clear answer for how long it takes to speed up your metabolism if you don’t have a higher metabolic rate genetically. Everybody is different and lifestyle, eating habits, and other factors play a role in how your metabolic rate may change over time. That being said, here are a few, simple lifestyle changes that may help speed up metabolism over time: Don’t skip breakfast: Skipping meals has been proven to slow down your metabolism and what you eat at breakfast can set the tone for your energy levels for the rest of your day. Skip the starch or sugar and start your day with some protein, like with a protein shake, some eggs, or nut butter. Think twice before cutting calories or going on a crash diet: When you cut out too many calories from your diet, your metabolism can go into a state of shock and put a halt on fat-burning in an effort to conserve energy. Instead of eating less and skipping meals, try to incorporate more high-protein, nutrient-rich foods into your daily diet—such as avocados, whole-fat yogurt, lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and beans. Get enough sleep: Not getting enough sleep can have negative effects on certain sleep and stress hormones in your body, which can affect your metabolism. Aim to get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of adequate sleep every night, for the sake of your metabolism and your overall health. If you struggle with getting to bed at an ideal hour, start small by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each week and slowly work your way up to the perfect amount of rest each night.

What food causes belly fat in females?
What food causes belly fat in females?

A diet high in added sugars, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, may increase belly fat. Most often, stick with water, unsweetened...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 16, 2019
How do I jumpstart ketosis?
How do I jumpstart ketosis?

7 Tips to Get Into Ketosis Minimize your carb consumption. Eating a very low carb diet is by far the most important factor in achieving ketosis....

Read More »
Last updated Apr 11, 2019

Learn your levels of 3 key hormones (cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) that affect metabolism and weight with the Everlywell at-home Metabolism Test. This at-home lab test lets you easily collect your sample from the comfort of your home, send it to a CLIA-certified lab for testing using the prepaid mailer provided in the kit, and get digital results in just a few days. The test can help indicate if a hormone imbalance may be interfering with your weight gain or weight loss goals. Note that this test does not give you a measurement of your metabolic rate.

Related content

What is fast metabolism?

Signs of a slow metabolism

Wondering how to speed up metabolism? Here’s what to know

References

1. Ruggiero C, Ferrucci L. The endeavor of high maintenance homeostasis: resting metabolic rate and the legacy of longevity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006;61(5):466-471. 2. Cool Temperature Alters Human Fat and Metabolism. National Institutes of Health. URL. Accessed January 12, 2020. 3. Ruggiero C, Ferrucci L. The endeavor of high maintenance homeostasis: resting metabolic rate and the legacy of longevity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006;61(5):466-471. 4. Ruggiero C, Ferrucci L. The endeavor of high maintenance homeostasis: resting metabolic rate and the legacy of longevity. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006;61(5):466-471.

everlywell.com - Signs of a fast metabolism - Everlywell
What drinks are OK on keto diet?
What drinks are OK on keto diet?

Tea, coffee, and herbal tea are a few options. Soda, sparkling water, low carb juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks are good options, too....

Read More »
Last updated Feb 24, 2021
Is it better to eat at night or go to bed hungry?
Is it better to eat at night or go to bed hungry?

But it may be healthier to go to bed hungry than eat too close to bedtime. There are several side effects associated with eating right before bed....

Read More »
Last updated Nov 24, 2018
Is Philadelphia cream cheese good for weight loss?
Is Philadelphia cream cheese good for weight loss?

Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that's a staple in many dishes, including sauces, spreads, soups, and sweets. However, it's made from...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 23, 2022
What happens after the whoosh effect?
What happens after the whoosh effect?

People claim that this makes the body feel loose or wobbly to touch. People then report that after losing enough fat, the cells will gradually...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 22, 2019