Healthy Ways Of Losing And Gaining Weight / Question
Published: November 19, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Okay...I'm just wondering is there a way to make a really fast metabolism? Or are there any secrets to getting skinny or slim at least without working out and stuff like that?
Signed: Any Way To Speed Up Metabolism?
Dear Any Way To Speed Up Metabolism?,
There is no safe and secret way to slim down or lose weight instantly. Diet pills claiming to help improve metabolism and reduce weight fast have no proven benefits, and might even be more harmful since they often contain ingredients such as ephedra extracts (Ma Huang) or ephedrine, which though increases metabolism and decreases appetite, have some very dangerous side effects such as nervousness, tremors, sleeplessness, increased heart rate and blood pressure as well as an association with sudden death from heart attacks.
How fast your metabolism works depends on a lot of factors, including your age, sex, genetic make-up (hereditary factors). Men, children and pregnant women generally have faster rates of metabolism. Certain conditions such as increased thyroid functions (hyperthyroidism) and fever also tends to speed up metabolism.
The good news is that there is a proven and safe way to help you maintain a good, healthy weight - eat using the food pyramid and exercise regularly. Eating right and exercise, especially aerobic exercises (such as running, walking, swimming or dancing) also has other benefits including reducing your risk for certain diseases such as heart problems and diabetes. It also helps reduce you cholesterol level as well as generally helps improve your mood and helps to decrease anxiety and depression.
So to recap: Weight loss and maintenance needs to be done healthy. Before starting any weight loss plan, please speak with your doctor. He/she can give you more information on eating right and exercise.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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