Does green tea help with weight loss? The authors of a small study found that combining resistance training with dietary measures led to a slight increase in metabolic rate, but it was not statistically significant. Participants who did only resistance training saw a reduction in fat mass and an increase in lean mass.

Research suggests that when a person has more muscle mass, their body uses food for energy more effectively. In other words, their metabolism is less wasteful. The researchers suggested that fat free mass lean mass and thyroid hormone levels might help account for the variability. Resistance training may involve lifting weights and doing exercises that use the weight of the body or resistance bands to build muscle.

A previous study , from , found that high intensity interval resistance training also increased metabolic rate. Interval training is highly intensive and may be more suitable for people who are already fit than those who are new to regular exercise. How can exercise help you build muscle?

Staying hydrated is essential for the body to function at its best. Water is necessary for optimal metabolism, and it may help a person lose weight. In , scientists assessed the metabolic rate of 13 people who consumed either or milliliters ml of water.

They found evidence of increased fat oxidation after ml when a person is at rest, and concluded that drinking water may have an impact on metabolism. However, they did not find that it increased metabolic rate. This may happen because the additional water helps the body burn fat preferentially over carbohydrate.

How much water should I drink each day? Stress affects hormone levels, and it can cause the body to produce more cortisol than usual. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate appetite. In , researchers found unusually high cortisol levels in people with disordered eating. The body releases cortisol in times of stress.

However, the authors of a small study found no evidence linking resting metabolic rate and anxiety. Stress could also have an indirect impact by affecting eating patterns and sleep, both of which can alter the rate of metabolism.

Why does stress happen, and how can I manage it? People who have less sleep may have a lower metabolic rate, according to research from The study took place in a sleep laboratory, and participants slept 4 hours per night for 5 nights followed by one night of 12 hours sleep.

Their metabolic rate fell after the nights with little sleep but returned to their usual levels after the night of recovery sleep. The authors believed the body reduces metabolic rate to conserve energy when a person sleeps less. They noted this could lead to weight gain in people who do not get enough sleep.

The need for sleep varies between individuals, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommend that adults aged 18—60 should have at least 7 hours per night. What should you do if you have trouble sleeping? The results of a rodent experiment from suggested that a low intake of various B vitamins could impact the rate at which the body metabolizes lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

More research may be needed to understand the relationship between vitamins, metabolism, and weight loss.

A complete guide to B vitamins, types, sources, and more. Some research has suggested that eating spices such as chili, which contains capsaicin, can increase metabolic rate, including the rate at which the body burns fat and uses energy.

A study from China found that people who ate spicy food every day were more likely to have a high body mass index BMI than those who did not.

The researchers noted that more investigations are needed to find out why this happens. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that while eating hot chilies might boost metabolic rate temporarily, it is unlikely to have a significant impact.

What are some healthy herbs and spices? Thyroid hormone stimulates the production of substances that increase oxygen consumption, respiration rate, and body temperature.

This involves a higher rate of energy consumption. Conversely, the body of a person with hypothyroidism is likely to burn energy at lower rate. Their metabolic rate may be slower, and they may have a higher risk of weight gain and obesity. Is it possible to speed up a naturally slow metabolism, or rev up one that has become sluggish over time?

That, along with adopting a healthier diet and making sure you get enough exercise, may give people the extra push they need to lose and maintain weight. Pick up the pace. Add some high-intensity interval training to your regular routine. After a period of interval training, your metabolism can stay revved up for as much as a full day.

For example, when you're walking or jogging on a treadmill or outside, speed up for 30 to 60 seconds, and then slow to your usual pace; repeat the cycle for eight to 12 minutes. Eat protein and do weight training.

Your metabolism increases whenever you eat, digest, and store food, a process called thermic effect of food. Protein has a higher thermic effect compared with fats and carbohydrates because it takes longer for your body to burn protein and absorb it.

It's not clear how much of an effect protein has on metabolism, but studies suggest the best approach is to combine adequate protein intake with weight training, which increases muscle mass — and that also can boost metabolism.

Drink green tea. Studies have found green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate, which may increase the calories and fat you burn. A meta-analysis published in Obesity Reviews found that consuming about milligrams of epigallocatechin gallate the amount in about three cups of green tea helped boost metabolism enough to burn an average of extra calories a day.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss High-intensity workouts, such as high-intensity interval training HIIT , involve brief, intense periods of heavy aerobic exercise followed by extended periods of lower-intensity work.

Your physical activity influences metabolism, and HIIT has a particular effect. In one study, the energy spent at rest resting energy expenditure up to an hour following HIIT was higher, even compared to aerobic exercise.

Strength training, such as resistance bands or lifting weights, can also positively affect your metabolism. In a study of sedentary women, six weeks of moderate resistance training increased their resting metabolic rate. At rest, a person who strength-trains regularly burns more calories daily. Green and oolong tea has traditionally been touted to have numerous health benefits.

Among them is that regular consumption can boost your metabolism. Though the evidence is mixed, some research suggests two compounds in this tea—caffeine and catechins —may increase metabolic function.

Chili peppers and spicy foods contain capsaicin , which affects metabolism. In a broad-ranging review, researchers noted evidence that diets emphasizing this substance improved the signs of metabolic disease disorders affecting the metabolism and helped manage obesity.

There are many health benefits to ensuring that you get enough sleep, which for adults should be seven to eight hours a night. Among them is that getting better sleep is linked with improved metabolism, but the growing consensus is that this effect is indirect.

While sleep deprivation may not directly impact metabolism, it raises the risk of weight gain, obesity, and diabetes, which do have an effect on metabolism. This involves:. The caffeine in coffee, tea, or other beverages might be more than just a morning pick-me-up. People in this study did not make any other lifestyle or dietary changes, further supporting the hypothesis that caffeine contributes to an elevated metabolic rate.

Since the body requires energy to digest food, you can improve your metabolism by snacking regularly throughout the day. Healthcare providers sometimes recommend this strategy to help people manage obesity. While medical literature has shown snacking provides some benefits for certain people, like athletes, there is little evidence of a direct metabolic effect.

If you snack, choose nutrient-dense options over foods like cookies, chips, and those with added salts and sugars. The healthiest snacks are nuts, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Additional ways to boost your metabolism include being active, avoiding crash diets, and reducing stress.

Having a sedentary lifestyle can adversely affect your health. It raises the risk of obesity, affects bone and muscle development, and impacts your metabolism.

If you sit for work or are constantly seated at home, take breaks to stand or walk. One study comparing data from Southeast Asia and the United States showed that taking a break to stand or walk every 30 minutes boosted metabolic health in older adults.

Countless dietary fads promise to boost your metabolism and manage your weight. Crash diets focusing on severe food restrictions can prevent your body from getting the nutrients it needs.

Aim to eat a variety of foods that provide sufficient calories and essential vitamins and minerals. Blood flow and energy expenditure are redirected from digestion and metabolism to the muscles and the brain.

This slows your metabolic rate, and if the stress persists, this can cause long-term effects. So how can you tell if your metabolism is slow? There can be many signs, with the most common including:.

The thyroid is the small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that regulates metabolism. Low thyroid levels slow your metabolic function and raise the risk of complications, such as high cholesterol or coma.

A big part of managing hypothyroidism and preventing these complications is boosting your metabolic rate.

Alongside a prescription of levothyroxine , a synthetic thyroid hormone, lifestyle and dietary changes that promote your metabolism play a key role.

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. Modifiable factors influencing your metabolic rate include diet, physical activity, and sleep.

Incorporating a high-protein diet, high-intensity exercise, strengthening, and better sleep habits are among the ways to boost your metabolism naturally. You may require medication if an underlying condition is affecting your metabolism.

Sabounchi NS, Rahmandad H, Ammerman A. Best-fitting prediction equations for basal metabolic rate: informing obesity interventions in diverse populations. Int J Obes Lond. Can you boost your metabolism?

Metallo CM, Heiden MGV. Understanding metabolic regulation and its influence on cell physiology. Mol Cell. Mullur R, Liu YY, Brent GA.

Thyroid hormone regulation of metabolism.

It's not clear how much of an effect protein has on metabolism, but studies suggest the best approach is to combine adequate protein intake with weight training, which increases muscle mass — and that also can boost metabolism. Drink green tea. Studies have found green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate, which may increase the calories and fat you burn.

A meta-analysis published in Obesity Reviews found that consuming about milligrams of epigallocatechin gallate the amount in about three cups of green tea helped boost metabolism enough to burn an average of extra calories a day.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts.

PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? What is a tongue-tie? What parents need to know. Which migraine medications are most helpful? Here are 5 morning exercises to start your day. Secret 3: Get active Sounds impossible, but you can - and should - work out every day.

Cardiovascular exercise running, swimming, aerobics, walking stimulates your metabolism, helps you burn calories and can even temporarily suppress your appetite post-workout. Weight training is important too, because it tones your muscles and boosts lean tissue mass, which burns more calories per pound than fat.

The more lean muscle tissue you have, the more calories you burn daily. Breaking up a minute workout into two minute or three minute sessions is not only convenient, but also it may help you burn more fat, according to recent research.

Hate exercise? Here are 12 workout tips. Secret 4: Eat all day Forget about three large square meals a day. Graze on healthy snacks or nosh on smaller meals instead.

Eating small meals throughout the day keeps a steady stream of energy available to your body. This boosts your metabolism and your brain power. Keep healthy snacks fruits, veggies, nuts , yogurt with you throughout the day.

Dieters often try to get that extra weight-loss edge by cutting entire meals instead of just cutting calories throughout the day. But this is counterproductive: Skipping meals forces your metabolism to slow down and conserve calories to compensate for the lack of food.

So when you finally do eat, your body remembers that it went for a long time without food and will store more calories to prepare for the next time you'll starve it. Stay off this roller-coaster by eating at regular intervals throughout the entire day. Enjoy these 10 quick and tasty snack ideas. Protein, for example, may be more likely than carbohydrates or fat to promote thermogenesis, the burning of calories in the body.

Those who consumed a higher proportion of protein burned more energy than those who consumed less. Some research has suggested that green tea extract may play a role in promoting fat metabolism. While the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says any increase is likely to be small, green tea may help manage weight and health in other ways.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says it is safe to consume up to 8 cups of green tea a day. People should speak with a doctor before increasing their intake of green tea or consuming it during pregnancy.

It may interact with some medications. During pregnancy, it may increase the risk of birth defects due to low folic acid levels. Does green tea help with weight loss? The authors of a small study found that combining resistance training with dietary measures led to a slight increase in metabolic rate, but it was not statistically significant.

Participants who did only resistance training saw a reduction in fat mass and an increase in lean mass. Research suggests that when a person has more muscle mass, their body uses food for energy more effectively. In other words, their metabolism is less wasteful. The researchers suggested that fat free mass lean mass and thyroid hormone levels might help account for the variability.

Resistance training may involve lifting weights and doing exercises that use the weight of the body or resistance bands to build muscle. A previous study , from , found that high intensity interval resistance training also increased metabolic rate.

Interval training is highly intensive and may be more suitable for people who are already fit than those who are new to regular exercise. How can exercise help you build muscle? Staying hydrated is essential for the body to function at its best. Water is necessary for optimal metabolism, and it may help a person lose weight.

In , scientists assessed the metabolic rate of 13 people who consumed either or milliliters ml of water. They found evidence of increased fat oxidation after ml when a person is at rest, and concluded that drinking water may have an impact on metabolism.

However, they did not find that it increased metabolic rate. This may happen because the additional water helps the body burn fat preferentially over carbohydrate.

How much water should I drink each day? Stress affects hormone levels, and it can cause the body to produce more cortisol than usual. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate appetite. In , researchers found unusually high cortisol levels in people with disordered eating. The body releases cortisol in times of stress.

However, the authors of a small study found no evidence linking resting metabolic rate and anxiety. Stress could also have an indirect impact by affecting eating patterns and sleep, both of which can alter the rate of metabolism.

Why does stress happen, and how can I manage it? People who have less sleep may have a lower metabolic rate, according to research from The study took place in a sleep laboratory, and participants slept 4 hours per night for 5 nights followed by one night of 12 hours sleep. Their metabolic rate fell after the nights with little sleep but returned to their usual levels after the night of recovery sleep.

The authors believed the body reduces metabolic rate to conserve energy when a person sleeps less. They noted this could lead to weight gain in people who do not get enough sleep. The need for sleep varies between individuals, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommend that adults aged 18—60 should have at least 7 hours per night.

What should you do if you have trouble sleeping? The results of a rodent experiment from suggested that a low intake of various B vitamins could impact the rate at which the body metabolizes lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

More research may be needed to understand the relationship between vitamins, metabolism, and weight loss. A complete guide to B vitamins, types, sources, and more.

Some research has suggested that eating spices such as chili, which contains capsaicin, can increase metabolic rate, including the rate at which the body burns fat and uses energy.