• Question: Hello again! I have quick question. When a person is born, do they naturally have a fast or slow metabolism? Thanks for your time!

    Asked by AnimalLover to Stéphane on 13 Mar 2018.
    • Photo: Stéphane Berneau

      Stéphane Berneau answered on 13 Mar 2018:

      Metabolism refers to the chemical processes responsible for maintaining basic body functions such as breathing, cell building and digestion. These chemical reactions require energy, which comes from calories in food. Your metabolic rate is the number of calories you need each day to maintain these basic body functions.

      The difference between a slow and fast metabolism is how many calories you burn to support these functions. A slow metabolism burns fewer calories than a fast one. Factors that determine your metabolic rate include gender, body composition, age, daily activity and genetics.

      From birth, I am not sure. All I know is that hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty) can modify the metabolism and slow it down.

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