When does the metabolism slow down? We talk about it very often, but those under 60 have no more excuses. It is only from this age in fact that the metabolism slows down significantly. This is the result of a massive study by Duke University in North Carolina. In practice, if we get fat and tired it is not the fault of our metabolism, but of our lifestyles.
What is metabolism?
The metabolism it is the set of biochemical processes that transform what we eat into energy. Our body, depending on our activities, decides whether to use some nutrients or whether to store them for when it will be needed. A fast metabolism will consume these nutrients first, a slow one obviously more slowly.
When does the metabolism slow down? American research
Experts from the US university have measured how much energy people consume to carry out daily activities. Many were convinced that already around the age of 40 the metabolism slowed down significantly. The results of this research show that:
- in the first year of life the metabolism is very fast, and then slows down a bit until around the age of twenty.
- From 20 to 60, however, the metabolism remains almost at the same level.
- The most striking fact is that children up to one year burn 50% more calories than adults.
The researchers analyzed data on the energy consumption of 6,421 people aged between 8 days and 95 years. The participants came from around thirty different countries.
Basal metabolic rate and double labeled water
In the past, several studies have focused on basal metabolic rate. This is the number of heats we consume simply to stay alive. Hence it is calorie expenditure for activities such as breathing, involuntary muscle movement, digesting food, and pumping blood through arteries and veins. The researchers in this case used a much more complex calculation system, which is called double labeled water.
With this system it is possible to calculate the general expenditure of a person and not just his basal metabolic rate.
When metabolism slows down there is also an increased risk of chronic disease
The research team justified the astonishing metabolic rate of newborns with the fact that they are in a period of rapid growth and development. Consequently, the much slower metabolism of the elderly over 60 is due to the deterioration of the organs.
This study is important not only for staying fit and feeling full of energy. The authors point out that it is no coincidence that when the metabolism slows down, the risk of developing chronic diseases increases. The research will therefore allow us to better understand some of the mechanisms behind the most common pathologies that affect especially during the elderly.