It’s a common misconception that people who are overweight struggle to lose weight because of a slow metabolism. But that’s actually a myth! Think of metabolism as your body’s engine—it’s always on and constantly running.

One key factor is the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which represents the minimum number of calories your body needs to maintain basic functions while at rest—even if you were to lie in bed all day.

BMR is influenced by body weight and composition, especially muscle mass. Overweight individuals don’t just carry excess fat—they often have more lean muscle mass to support their additional weight and aid movement. This increased muscle mass, along with the higher energy demands placed on internal organs, raises their BMR. In other words, the more you weigh, the higher your BMR tends to be. So if you’re wondering why overweight folks have a hard time losing weight it is not because of slow metabolism, it is due to excess calorie intake and lack of movement. Unless you have a micronutrient deficiency which hinders your metabolism, eat at a calorie deficit and increase your movement!