Will My Metabolism Speed Up as I Gain Weight?

By October 31, 2012

I have struggled with disordered eating for many years. I am finally actively recovering and have gained about 5 pounds in the last month. My question is about metabolism. A dietitian did a resting metabolic rate test on me and determined that my metabolism is very slow. While I have not let this discourage me from my progress, I worry that a slow metabolism will mean a lifetime of either being slightly overweight, or eating less than the average person to maintain a healthy weight. Is it possible that as I gain weight (I weigh ** pounds now) that my metabolism will speed up? (My thyroid levels are normal). I hate to think after all these years of disordered eating, now I find that I might have to struggle to not be overweight. I am enjoying eating my 2000 calories a day and don’t want to think I will have to cut back when I reach a healthy weight. Thanks so much. Your reply will ease my mind and encourage me to keep up my work, hopefully without as much worry about this issue. My dietitian said we could worry about my slow metabolism later. However, as someone who’s obsessed over her weight, it’s hard to dismiss. – Anonymous

Dear anonymous:

 Thank you for your question. Actually, the resting metabolic rate is correlated with weight and as weight increases, so does the resting metabolic rate proportionally. It is very common for the resting metabolic rate to be slow if underweight and is kind of the body’s way of conserving energy. I would wholeheartedly follow the recommendations of your dietitian and follow through with his/her meal plan for you. I would also recommend that you also be under the care of a physician and therapist in addition to a dietitian, if you are not already doing so. Click here for resources on Finding Treatment in your area.

Tom Scales, MD