Do I need a metabolism test?

Most overweight people are convinced they have a slow metabolism. The truth is that statistically, most overweight and obese individuals have average or higher than average metabolic rates. Taking a measurement removes the excuse that they cannot lose weight. Seeing that their bodies can indeed burn calories can be very encouraging and motivating.

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Regardless of the method used to lose weight, your metabolism will decrease after weight loss. The decrease is actually below the level predicted by fat-free mass (FFM) or non-obese counterparts. This makes it very easy for you to re-gain weight. Unfortunately this happens even with preventative measures, such as resistance training. It is undoubtedly a factor in the high rate of relapse. Although the cause is unclear, it appears that in most cases, if you can maintain his new weight for 6 months, your metabolism will eventually rise to the expected level.

Frequent testing of your metabolism can be the key to surviving this crucial period. Pinpointing the precise number of calories necessary to maintain may be the most critical piece of information you can give your patient as they come off the high of finally reaching their weight loss goal and re-enters "real" life. True success is the patient who loses weight, and then keeps it off!