4 Stages of MetabolismIn the process of converting the food you eat into energy that powers your body, there are 4 basic stages of metabolism that get the job done.  Researchers from the University of Aberdeen recently published a paper that is having the world take a closer look at this process and exactly what happens to slow things down. That said, it also helped to identify things we can all do to keep our metabolic rates humming efficiently.

What Are the 4 Stages of Metabolism?

The research shows that there are 4 main stages of metabolism, and that these take place based on our age.  Are you forty or fifty years old and think your metabolic rate has been slowing down due to your age? Think again! Are you 20 years old and think yours is naturally fast and that it’ll stay that way forever? You’d better cross your fingers because that’s not the case for most people.

The 4 stages of metabolism are:

  • Infancy
  • Childhood and adolescence
  • Adulthood
  • Senior life

How Do These Times Differ?

As you’d expect, the first year of your life is the fastest of the stages of metabolism. Imagine how much growth and development an infant goes through until they become a one-year-old. When it feels like you’re seeing an entirely different baby after not having seen them for two weeks, it’s not entirely your imagination. Growth and development are very fast at this time of our lives, and it takes a lot of energy to achieve it.

After the age of one, this second stage of metabolism remains quite fast, but it is slowly declining until the age of about 20 years.  This time remains fast because it includes childhood and adolescence, when the body is still growing and changing.  That said, by the age of 20, the majority of the major growth and development is complete. There are still some changes underway – mainly in brain development – but the heightened energy needs are in the past after that point.

From the age of 20 years begins the third of the stages of metabolism. During this time – regardless of what you may feel as you watch your weight yo-yo – the metabolic rate stays essentially steady.  Surprise! From 20 years old to 60 years old, there is very little difference, if any, to your body’s overall energy use.  Any challenges you experience in weight control have to do with changes in your lifestyle, such as what you eat, how physically active you are, your stress levels, and how restfully you’re sleeping.

At the age of 60 years, the last of the stages of metabolism begins. From there, it begins gradually slowing again.

What Can You Do to Speed Things Up at Any Stage of Metabolism?

There are lots of things you can do to keep your metabolism humming at any stage. Click the link to read more!