The Truth About Metabolism: What Really Affects Weight Loss
By Dr. Kaisa Schmitz | Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness
Understanding Metabolism and Weight Loss Medication
“Boost your metabolism” is everywhere—from diet ads to fitness influencers—but most people don’t fully understand what metabolism really means. At Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, we help patients cut through the noise and focus on what actually works.
Metabolism is the process your body uses to convert food into energy. It’s influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, body composition, and activity level. While you can’t change your DNA, you can work with your metabolism through strategic medical weight loss treatment.
What Slows Down Your Metabolism
Age, Hormones, and Body Composition
As you age, muscle mass naturally decreases and fat mass increases. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat does—so less muscle means a slower resting metabolic rate.
Hormonal shifts, especially during menopause or due to thyroid issues, also play a big role. For many people, this explains why traditional diet and exercise become less effective over time.
Crash Diets and Chronic Calorie Cutting
When you restrict calories too hard for too long, your body enters survival mode. This causes metabolism to slow as your body tries to conserve energy. This slower metabolism has been shown to remain lower for years following weight loss, even if you regain some weight. Over time, this makes it harder to lose weight and easier to gain it back.
How Medical Weight Loss Treatment Can Help
At Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, we approach metabolism scientifically. Tools like GLP-1 weight loss medication, including Wegovy or Ozempic (semaglutide), can help regulate hunger signals and improve metabolic efficiency when combined with lifestyle changes.
These medications don’t just suppress appetite—they support fat loss through glucose and insulin control. When combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, preserving lean muscle becomes a priority—an essential factor in maintaining a healthy metabolism. In contrast, rapid or significant weight loss without structured support and regular physical activity can lead to substantial muscle loss, making long-term weight maintenance more challenging.
Building a Sustainable Plan
There’s no magic fix, but with the right guidance, your metabolism can work for you—not against you. That’s what we do at Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness. Every patient receives a personalized weight loss plan that considers their unique metabolic profile, medical history, and goals.
Want to learn more about your metabolism and what’s holding you back?
Book a consultation with Dr. Kaisa Schmitz and take the first step toward lasting results.
