A lagging metabolism is a real drag. Not only can it cause unwanted weight gain, but a slew of other unpleasant side effects. And what’s interesting, or more eye-opening, is our everyday bad habits may be the root cause of metabolic issues. From inadequate sunlight to poor sleep habits, how we live on a daily basis greatly impacts the health of our metabolism, far beyond simply eating clean.
According to Dr. Rekha Kumar, head of medical affairs at weight-care platform Found, and New York City-based endocrinologist, “Some symptoms of a lagging metabolism can present as fatigue, weight gain, body aches, stiffness, poor mood, feeling cold, or dry skin.”
Here, Kumar shines a light on the common bad habits that keep your metabolism sluggish, your body aching, and how to break these bad-habit cycles.
Here’s What to Do if You Suspect a Lagging Metabolism
If you’re feeling ‘off’ and suspect a lagging metabolism, Dr. Kumar recommends you reach out to your PCP. From there, your PCP will take the necessary actions to get to the bottom of your symptoms.
Keep in mind, “What we need to do to maintain healthy metabolism changes over our lifetime.” Says Dr. Kumar. Simply put, “What works at 30 might not work at 60, and what works at 60 might not work at 90,” Kumar explains. We need to modify our routines as we progress through our lives for thriving metabolic health.
Top 6 Bad Habits To Fix For a Healthier Metabolism
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1. Not Moving Enough
Movement is crucial for overall health, and not moving enough can certainly put a damper on your metabolism. “One key way to wreck your metabolism is related to simple, everyday decisions related to your activity that determine how much energy you’re expending,” Kumar says.
Some examples include taking a car or bus when the distance is walkable. (Or a route in which you can ride your bike). “You could have done it if more time were budgeted,” says Kumar. Taking an elevator instead of the stairs, especially when there aren’t many steps is another way movement is minimized.
“These seemingly minor energy-saving ways to get from Point A to Point B not only negatively impact metabolism but put our bones, joints, muscles into disuse,” says Kumar. Hence, the “use or lose it” thought applies here, not just as we age.
She adds that, “lack of movement leads to loss of muscle mass and muscle tone which slows metabolism.” The results: feeling sluggish, impaired carbohydrate metabolism, and a setup for injuries. “If we get injured due to a lack of mobility, it starts a vicious cycle wrecking our metabolism because we can’t move and the cycle perpetuates., Kumar says.
