I'm only 20 but...

[tonyaisntarobot]

I can already tell that my metabolism is slowing down!
When I was in high school, I would lose weight after dieting for a few days.
Now it seems like no matter how much I exercise and how much I cut down on fat and calories, I'll only lose a pound or two!

I am just hoping that it will not get *that* much worse as time goes by. Now that I am exercising almost everyday and changing my overall lifestyle, I hope I can keep control of my weight as I grow older.

My question for you is, at what age did you notice that you either started to gain weight and/or it became much harder to lose weight?

[Lorianna]

I was a little over 30, probably around 32 when I noticed that my metabolism no longer was what it used to be. Before that, I could eat pretty much anything I wanted and stay in shape with a few simple exercises. Now it takes a bit more effort.

[GI Jane]

Your metabolism should not start to slow until your early 30's, and even then the actual drop is far less than what people think.

Instead of an actual slowing metabolism, most people experience weight gain because of all the things associated with living a busier lifestyle. People starting a career (coming out of college especially) tend to experience a life with less activity, increased stress, and infrequent meals or increased convenient unhealthy meals like fast food. So, it is not so much that the metabolism is changing, but people's lifestyles.

If this doesn't seem to be your situation (tonyaisntarobot), you may have a metabolic or thyroid condition and should see your doctor.

[patmos04]

Sometimes we should not worry too much about weight loss or gain for that mother, there are so many natural factors that contribute to these

[jhellie_baby]

i couldn't say because i've kinda confused, i really want to get fat, well not really fat maybe kindA of medium size perhaps. i find my self skinny.

[Zordani]

I've always had a slow metabolism, and I don't know why! What can I do to accelerate it?

[antkmom]

Oh to go back to my high school metabolism. I could loose 5 pounds easily!
I noticed once I hit 40 that it was harder to loose weight. I had 4 babies by that time and had lost all the weight except for the last one. I still have that last 10 pounds and it seems like it is taking forever!