Metabolism: Facts vs. Myths

Lifestyle and its impact on metabolism is always a hot topic. Find out what really affects how your body runs.
metabolism

101339132

Weight scale ,apple and glass of water

Photo by: Emir Memedovski

Emir Memedovski

Lifestyle and its impact on metabolism is always a hot topic. Find out what really affects how your body runs.

Myth: Eating at night causes weight gain

There's no magical evening hour where foods just turn to fat. Once your calorie intake exceeds expenditure you can put on the pounds -- no matter what time of day. On the other hand, if you need more calories after dinner, have a light and sensible snack.

Myth: Eat spicy foods to burn calories

There's an element of some spicy foods (like chili peppers) that may help suppress appetite and create a short-lived increase in body heat. BUT don’t rely on these tactics to shed pounds - they could do more harm than good, especially if you’re prone to heartburn.

Fact: Eating throughout the day fuels metabolism

Eating sensibly throughout the day keeps energy and blood sugar levels more stable. This can also help prevent overeating later in the day.

Myth: Green tea revs up metabolism

With plenty of antioxidants to offer, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a daily dose of green tea. While rumors swirl about the weight loss benefits, numerous studies have failed to find solid evidence. The caffeine found in green tea might give you a quick boost, but it's no magic bullet.

Fact: Exercise boosts metabolism

It's fairly simple: exercise raises heart rate and higher heart rate means more calories burned. Folks who exercise at high intensity can reap the benefits after exercise has ended according to a 2011 study. Need more incentive to get moving? Another study found that women who don't get enough exercise are at greater risk for Metabolic Syndrome, a combination of several risk factors for chronic disease such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Myth: Skinny people have a faster metabolism

Skinny doesn't always mean faster (metabolically speaking) or healthier – thin folks are at risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes as well. Genetics can play a role in your metabolic rate and that will affect how efficiently (or inefficiently) calories are burned they burn calories, no matter what your body type.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

Next Up

Breakfast: Myths vs. Facts

There’s so much misinformation swarming around about breakfast. Get the facts straight about this important meal.

Eggs: Myths vs. Facts

There are so many misconceptions swirling around eggs. I hear egg chatter in crowded elevators or at dinner parties—folks so proud about tossing that golden yolk. The next time you find yourself in the midst of an egg conversation, pipe in with these egg-cellent facts.

Juicing: Myths vs. Facts

The juicing craze is still going strong, but many folks are still doing it for all the wrong reasons. If you love juicing, make sure you’ve got all the facts.

Shrimp: Myths vs. Facts

Are you shrimp lover but not sure if the shellfish is the smartest seafood choice? It's time to dispel the biggest myths about these tiny (and tasty) crustaceans.

Vegetarians: Myths vs. Facts

Vegetarians are often seriously misunderstood. It’s time for some of the most common vegetarian myths to be debunked!

Tea: Facts vs. Myths

There are so many "facts" about tea out there, how do you know what to believe? Our RD gets to the bottom of the most common facts and myths about tea.

Hangover Cures: Myths vs. Facts

Trying to avoid a post-celebration headache come New Year's Day? Find out if your go-to cure is helpful (or just hype).

Exercise and Eating: Myths vs. Facts

Trying to get more activity but not sure where food comes in? Figure out the best way to fuel your exercise sessions by busting these 5 common myths.

Saturated Fat: Facts vs. Fiction

We clear up some of the common points of confusion about saturated fat with tips from the experts at Food Network.

Facts and Myths About Foods for Colds and Flu

Are the most popular cold and flu remedies backed by science or nothing but old wives tales?