Five Common Myths About Metabolism, And Some Truths You Need to Know
In this blog
What is GLP-1 and how does it work?
Week-by-Week breakdown
Tips and lessons from real users
The EARLY Perspective
Conclusion
About the Author
References
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Let’s Discuss Metabolism (Without the Myths)
Like many others, you might also think that your metabolism is broken, or blame your weight gain on getting older. Metabolism is one of those terms that is thrown around everywhere, from fitness influencers to late-night Google searches, and yet most of us don’t understand the science behind it.
Particularly if you’re a woman with hormonal imbalances like PCOS, perimenopause, or hypothyroidism, metabolism may feel like a mythical, intangible enemy that’s conspiring against you at every turn.
But here’s the thing: most of what we know about metabolism is outdated, simplified, or just plain wrong. And believing those myths can lead you to get stuck, frustrated, and chasing after the wrong solutions.
So let’s set it straight. In this article, we’ll tackle five common metabolism myths, explore what’s actually going on under the surface, and share expert-backed ways to support your body’s natural rhythms, especially if hormones, thyroid, or age have made things feel confusing.
Myth 1: “Thin People Have Fast Metabolisms, Overweight People Have Slow Ones”
Truth: The size of the body doesn’t always equal the speed of the metabolism.
This is a sneaky myth. It’s easy to think that the skinny person has a “fast metabolism,” but heavier people are “metabolically slow.” But the truth is that metabolic rate actually increases with body size, because a bigger body takes more energy just to sustain itself when it’s at rest.
Lots of people with obesity actually do have extremely efficient metabolisms; they’re just stuck in complex loops of insulin resistance, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances. Metabolism myths debunked start with the understanding that weight does not tell the whole story.
Hear from our Clients:
Shriya, age 38 (name changed to protect privacy) said “I eat like a bird but still gain weight.” It turned out that long-term dieting had dampened her metabolic flexibility, and she wasn’t eating enough protein to maintain lean muscle mass. It wasn’t her body size, it was her body’s mixed-up signals.
Takeaway: Thin does not equal fast metabolism. Overweight does not equal slow metabolism. What makes a bigger difference? Hormonal balance, muscle tissue, and metabolic function.
Myth 2: “Eating Late at Night Wrecks Your Metabolism”
Truth: Timing matters, but it’s not the whole story.
Yes, our bodies do have circadian rhythms. Eating very late, very sweet, and very fatty meals can affect blood sugar and sleep. But that doesn’t always mean that a 9 p.m. dinner is necessarily “bad” for your metabolism.
What actually makes a difference is:
- What you’re eating late at night
- How often you’re eating late (consistency is important)
- Whether your whole eating pattern is compatible with what your body needs
Takeaway: Don’t stress about a delayed meal occasionally. Focus on regular rhythms, good quality nutrition, and good sleep habits.
Myth 3: “Metabolism Slows Down Irreversibly After 30”Natural Ways to Support Your Body
Truth: Yes, metabolism can shift, but it’s not doomed.
The dreaded “30s slowdown” is a kind of health folklore. The idea is: hit your 30s, and your metabolism hits the brakes. But studies (including a large one in Science in 2021) show that metabolism remains fairly stable through your 20s to your 50s, if other health factors are equal.
Hormonal imbalance, sleep quality, muscle mass, stress levels, and daily habits. For women specifically, conditions like estrogen dominance, thyroid decline, or subtle insulin resistance can slowly shift the way your body metabolizes energy.
Hear from our Clients:
Priya, age 35 (name changed to protect privacy), thought she was “just aging” when weight gain crept up without making drastic changes to her diet. But upon closer examination, elevated stress hormones, sleep problems, and early thyroid slowing were discovered to be the culprits. Correcting those, and not her age, did the trick.
Takeaway:
Metabolism with age can change, but it’s far from irreversible. You can influence it with strength training, stress management, thyroid support, and nutrition smarts.
Myth 4: “You Can’t Do Anything to Boost Your Metabolism”
Truth: You sure can, naturally and holistically.
“If you’ve ever felt stuck with thyroid or hormonal weight changes, you might have believed this myth. But it’s not true. You can coax your metabolism along, without wacky diets and overtraining.
Advice to increase metabolism
- Eat sufficiently (not less): Drastically reducing calories tells your body to conserve energy.
- Get enough protein: More energy is needed to process, and helps keep muscle intact.
- Build muscle: Remember that strength training increases resting metabolic rate.
- Support thyroid health: Essential for metabolism regulation, especially in women with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.
- Manage stress: Chronic cortisol elevation disrupts blood sugar and fat storage.
- Sleep well: One poor night of sleep can sabotage insulin and hunger hormones.
Takeaway:
You can influence your metabolism, cautiously, sustainably, naturally.
Myth 5: “All Weight Gain Is a Sign of Poor Metabolism”
Truth: Weight gain is usually a symptom of many things, especially in women.
Weight gain is complex. Yes, metabolism is involved. But so is:
- Thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism reduces metabolism)
- PCOS (insulin resistance and inflammation)
- Estrogen dominance (perimenopause is prevalent)
- Stress and cortisol (storage in belly fat, cravings)
- Gut health imbalance (inflammation, nutrient digestion)
It’s too easy to blame everything on “a bad metabolism” and will keep you from fixing the true underlying issue.
Hear from our Clients:
Neha, 29 (name changed to protect privacy), gained 7 kg in one year. Her doctor told her to “just eat less.” But PCOS, insulin resistance, and persistent sleep issues were discovered with testing. When she addressed those, her weight naturally shifted, without harsh restriction.
Takeaway:
If you’re gaining weight despite “doing everything right,” don’t blame yourself, or your metabolism. Look further.
Truths You Can Trust
Here is a quick checklist to get your body working with you, not against you:
- Eat enough protein, especially breakfast
- Strength train 2–3 times weekly
- Sleep 7–9 hours
- Check thyroid and hormone levels (don’t ignore fatigue and hair loss!)
- Stress is handled by mindfulness, journaling, or activity
- Healthy fats and fiber carbs
- Drink water, cellular metabolism needs water!
Metabolism Isn’t the Enemy, Confusion IsTruths You Can Trust
Your metabolism isn’t a fixed number. It’s an adaptive, dynamic system that responds to the way you live, what you’re eating, and what’s happening hormonally. And if you’ve been misled by myths, here’s the reality: it’s not too late to rewrite the story.
No matter what you’re struggling with, thyroid and metabolism issues, weight loss frustrations, or hormonal chaos, clarity awaits.
Still wondering if your metabolism is working for or against you?
Book Early’s Metabolic Diagnosis Test for just Rs. 1799, which includes a 35+ biomarkers at home blood test, doctor consultation and nutritionist connect, also handing out a diet and workout plan!
About the Author
Anushi Dhiman
Anushi Dhiman is a dietitian with rich experience across clinical and corporate health settings. She has worked with reputed organizations including VLCC, HealthifyMe, HCL Healthcare, and Mamily Technology, where she guided diverse groups of people on nutrition and lifestyle management. A Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics, she brings both academic rigor and practical expertise to her practice. Passionate about preventive care, she focuses on building sustainable nutrition habits that support long-term health and wellbeing.
References
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“4 Metabolism Myths, Busted – IFIC.” 2022. International Food Information Council.
https://ific.org/resources/articles/myths-about-your-metabolism/ -
LeWine, Howard E. 2024. “The truth about metabolism.” Harvard Health.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-metabolism -
Richter, Amy. n.d. “Metabolism: Myths and facts.” Medical News Today. Accessed July 15, 2025.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8871
In this blog
Let’s Discuss Metabolism (Without the Myths)
Myth 1: “Thin People Have Fast Metabolisms, Overweight People Have Slow Ones”Surya Namaskara for Weight Loss
Myth 2: “Eating Late at Night Wrecks Your Metabolism”Some FAQs regarding Surya Namaskara
Myth 3: “Metabolism Slows Down Irreversibly After 30”Natural Ways to Support Your Body
Myth 4: “You Can’t Do Anything to Boost Your Metabolism”
Myth 5: “All Weight Gain Is a Sign of Poor Metabolism”
Truths You Can Trust
Metabolism Isn’t the Enemy, Confusion IsTruths You Can Trust
