Metabolism

Question:

I am chronically underweight (despite eating a ton of reasonably healthy food) and already have a very fast metabolism. I am trying to take up running but I am afraid due to everything I have read about how running is good for weight loss, it will speed up your metabolism, etc. I already have difficulty keeping weight on, I don’t need my metabolism any faster than it is! Will running make it even more difficult for me to gain and keep weight on? Or can it help regulate my metabolism in the opposite direction, by slowing it down or helping me to utilize the food I am eating more efficiently?
Thanks
Rose

Answer:

Dear Rose,

While running can increase your metabolism, it can also add muscle bulk. I see many patients who aren’t able to lose weight even though they run a few times per week! I also see the opposite a lot, and know if I need to lose a few kilo’s I get out there and run!
I would suggest you try out different distances, and also do some weight training with heavier weights and low reps. This type of training builds muscle bulk. You need to ensure that you eat enough calories during the day, and specifically before and after training. Try eating a muesli bar, a banana, or a pear before you run. Then you must ensure you replace those calories you burned by eating a meal within 90 minutes after your run. Try not to eat a big meal within 30 minutes after a run as your blood goes to your extremities away from your digestive system. You need adequate protein to balance your blood sugar and repair your muscle tissue, ensuring there is no muscle wastage.
It is also important to remember that we are born with our body type and cannot change it. We can only enhance our existing shape. You can’t really slow down metabolism without harming your health by eating sugar-filled calorie laden foods – which I would not recommend! You may want to see a health professional to rule out hyperthyroidism – a blood test by your GP or Natural Therapist can do this.
Kind regards,

Emma Wight-Boycott
MSc Nutr (2009), PGDip Nutr, PGcACNEM, Dip. Sc Nutr