Getting your metabolism working for you is key to long-term success! At Atlanta Bariatrics, Dr. Christopher J. Hart and Dr. William H. Johnson are proven leaders in the field, drawing on their years of successful patient outcomes to guide individuals. Our in-office Registered Dietitians offer dietary guidance customized just to you, recognizing that not all bodies or metabolisms are equal. We’ve broken down the best strategies for improving your body’s natural calorie burn. These principles work for everyone, especially our patients in Suwanee, Johns Creek, and the greater Atlanta area.
Make Muscle Your Best Friend
The Secret: Your body has to work hard just to keep muscle tissue alive. That means you should move more and sit less throughout the day.
The Simple Fix: Start exercise (like walking, lifting weights, using resistance bands, or light cardio) two to three times a week. Aim for a goal of at least 150 minutes a week of aerobic exercise. Also, do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity and that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week. This is the single most powerful thing you can do to prevent the natural slowing of your metabolism over time (make sure you check with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen).
Drink Water to Turn Up the Heat
The Problem: Every process in your body, including burning fat for energy, needs water. If you're dehydrated, those processes slow down.
The Simple Fix: Keep a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. Staying hydrated is the easiest way to keep your metabolism running fast and clean.
Don't Go Hungry: Eat Smaller, Often
The Trap: Skipping meals or waiting too long between eating causes your metabolism to panic. It thinks it's starving, so it drastically slows down to save energy and hold onto fat.
The Simple Fix: Follow the guidance of our Registered Dietitians and surgeon, eat small, balanced portions every 3 to 4 hours. This constant fueling prevents that slowdown and helps you burn calories consistently.
Avoid Crash Diets (They Backfire)
The Reality Check: Cutting calories too drastically (like on extreme crash diets) is stressful for your metabolism. It causes your body to preserve fat and can even make you lose valuable muscle.
The Simple Fix: Dr. Johnson recommends working toward a moderate, sustainable calorie goal. This ensures you lose fat slowly and steadily without tricking your metabolism into 'survival mode.'
Sleep Is Your Metabolism's Secret Weapon
The Hormone Link: Poor sleep messes with your appetite hormones. It increases the hormone that makes you hungry (ghrelin) and lowers the one that makes you feel full (leptin).
The Simple Fix: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night. Dr. Hart emphasizes that resting well helps balance those hormones, making it much easier to control cravings and stick to your healthy eating plan.
Simple Questions, Direct Answers (FAQ)
How quickly will I see a change in my metabolism?
You'll feel changes immediately through better sleep and hydration. However, the biggest, most sustainable boost comes when you consistently exercise—that process takes a few weeks to really get going.
Does aging automatically mean my metabolism will slow down?
Metabolism tends to slow because most people lose muscle mass and reduce activity. By adhering to exercise and maximizing daily movement, you can actively mitigate this slowdown.
Does bariatric surgery slow down the metabolism?
No, bariatric surgery is a tool to achieve metabolic health. When followed by our comprehensive nutritional guidance, the result is long-term metabolic improvement and weight stabilization.
Your Next Step to Lifelong Health
Dr. Christopher J. Hart and Dr. William H. Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics are leaders in surgical and non-surgical weight loss. Our team, including our in-office Registered Dietitians, offers care that is customized to your unique metabolic needs.
Ready to see how our expert team can help you ignite your body's engine?
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward better health and a longer, happier life.
📞 Call us today at 770-232-29252 or request an appointment online at https://www.atlantabariatrics.com/form/contact-us to start your journey. Inspire your life. Invest in your health.
Atlanta Bariatrics – Real People. Real Stories. Real Results.
