Why your slim friend isn’t as ‘Lucky’ as they think
We all know that one friend who seems to eat anything and everything yet remains effortlessly slim. They might claim to have a “fast metabolism,” but is that really the case?
Metabolism is the process by which our bodies convert food and drink into the energy needed for daily life. Scientists often discuss metabolism in terms of the body’s energy use over the course of a day, known as the metabolic rate. The more energy a body uses, the higher its metabolic rate. This leads to the common belief that people with fast metabolisms burn through a lot of energy and, therefore, stay slim.
However, the majority of the energy we get from food isn’t used to fuel workouts or other physical activities. Instead, it goes toward keeping us alive—maintaining body temperature, fighting off pathogens, circulating blood, and even breathing. These essential functions make up our basal metabolic rate (BMR), which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of our daily energy expenditure. Physical activity contributes 15 to 30 percent, while a small portion is used for digestion.
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A significant factor in BMR is muscle mass. Muscle cells are more energy-demanding than other cell types because they require energy to contract, relax, and repair themselves. Therefore, the more muscle a person has, the higher their BMR—and the more calories they burn at rest.
But what about our seemingly lucky friend who stays slim despite eating whatever they want? Ironically, they likely have less muscle mass, leading to a lower BMR and, thus, a slower metabolism. People who weigh more generally have more cells of all types, including muscle cells, which increases their body’s energy demands and gives them a faster metabolism.
Yet, weight alone isn’t a reliable indicator of metabolic rate. Two people who weigh the same can have vastly different amounts of muscle mass, resulting in different BMRs. Even physical appearance can be misleading. Some visibly slim people, such as Olympic athletes or professional dancers, have high muscle mass and, consequently, higher BMRs.
So, why is your friend so slim? The answer could lie in genetics, lifestyle, or diet. Genetics can have a modest impact on BMR, and an active lifestyle or a less balanced diet could also contribute to their lean physique.
The next time someone claims to be “lucky” because of a fast metabolism, you’ll know that the truth is a bit more complex.
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