Many of us attribute gradual weight gain in middle age and beyond to a slow metabolism, but to what extent is this assumption true?<\/p>\n
In a world flooded with health advice and ever-changing diet trends, we consulted Matyas Fehervari, a consultant bariatric surgeon at Nuffield Health in the UK, who works extensively with metabolic issues, to cut through all the noise.<\/p>\n
He has helped demystify exactly what a metabolism is, how it can change with age and some key ways we can maintain a healthy metabolism as we get older.<\/p>\n
\u201cMetabolism refers to the chemical processes that keep our bodies functioning \u2013 from converting food into energy to repairing cells and supporting organ function,\u201d Fehervari says. \u201cThe metabolic rate is the amount of energy your body uses to maintain these vital processes.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven when you\u2019re resting, your body is still working to keep your heart beating, lungs breathing and brain active \u2013 this is known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR).\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Bariatric](\"https:\/\/img.i-scmp.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto\/sites\/default\/files\/d8\/images\/canvas\/2025\/11\/04\/248761f5-0901-450b-8792-ef10c33e4e5a_e15fdc75.jpg\" "\\"Bariatric")
<\/div>\u201cOne of the biggest myths is that people with a \u2018fast\u2019 metabolism can eat whatever they like without gaining weight,\u201d Fehervari says. \u201cIn reality, differences between individuals are usually modest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n