Metabolism for weight loss

Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by

Metabolism is one of those words that means a different thing to everyone. For some, it’s the thing that burns calories when you’re doing nothing. For others, it’s how many calories you burn just sitting there. It’s also how you describe what happens when your body starts losing weight and burning fat. Hormones are very complex. Many people are surprised to learn that the hormones related to metabolism are the same ones responsible for reproductive function. The interplay between these hormones can be tricky, which is why it’s important to follow a few science-backed rules. In this guide, we’ll explore these tips for optimizing your body’s weight-loss potential.

The metabolic state we’re in has a significant impact on our metabolism and our total energy expenditure, which is directly related to how much weight we lose. Although there are some genetic differences that play a role in the efficiency of our metabolic rate, there are also external contributors to this including diet and exercise. After all, if you want to take control of your weight, then this is the way to go. Here is why: I’m going to talk about Metabolism for weight loss, make sure you read this article.

Metabolism for weight loss

Metabolic tests look at a person’s hormone levels or carbon dioxide and oxygen output. They may indicate a hormone imbalance or help people with weight goals. Several companies offer metabolic tests for at-home use that people can purchase online.

A male swabbing the inside of his mouth for a metabolism test.

A quick look at the best metabolism tests

  • For membership savings: Everlywell Metabolism Test
  • For saliva sample collection: myLab Box At Home Metabolism Test
  • For a weight check: Verisana Weight Hormone Check
  • For medical support: LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test
  • For personalized recommendations Thorne Weight Management Test

How we chose

MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:

  • Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certifiedTrusted Source labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
  • Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
  • Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
  • Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
  • Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.

Best metabolism tests

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

For membership savings: Everlywell Metabolism Test

The Everlyell Metabolism Test.

Price: $49

Everlywell offers a range of at-home test kits to assess different health concerns.

The Everlywell Metabolism Test provides information on cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Customers need to register test kits on the Everlywell website. They then use the included lancet and equipment to collect blood and saliva samples. People then place the samples in the prepaid envelope and send them to the lab for analysis.

Results are available within 5 days. Users can view them on an online portal or dedicated app. Everlywell provides guidance on results.

Membership subscriptions are available, with monthly deliveries at a reduced cost.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • membership option for regular users
  • required tools provided
  • free shipping available
  • discreet packaging
  • accepts payments through flexible savings account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA)

Cons

  • expensive one-time price
  • shipping unavailable outside the United States
  • requires the use of needles

For saliva sample collection: myLABBOX At Home Metabolism Test

The myLABBOX At Home Metabolism Test.

Price: $99

This test checks a person’s cortisol, TSH, and testosterone levels.

To use this test, people must perform a finger prick and take a saliva sample. They then send the samples to myLABBOX’s lab in a prepaid envelope.

myLABBOX uses CAP and CLIA-certified labs.

The company states that individuals will receive a free consultation from a doctor if the results show hormone levels that are too high or low.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • suitable for men and women
  • free shipping
  • FSA and HSA payments accepted
  • the company works with CLIA-certified labs

Cons

  • currently unavailable to persons residing in New York
  • free consultations are only available if the result is positive
  • possible shipping delays, according to reviews

For a weight check: Verisana Weight Hormone Check

Price: $149.95

The Verisana Weight Hormone Check metabolism test.

Verisana states that its weight check test can inform people whether an imbalance of hormones is affecting their weight.

This test looks at the following hormone levels:

  • progesterone
  • estradiol
  • dehydroepiandrosterone
  • cortisol
  • testosterone

This test requires a saliva sample. People then send the sample to the lab.

The company checks the person’s hormone levels against the average levels in their age range.

Results will indicate an average hormone range in green and irregular levels in red.

People should contact a doctor if they receive a result that shows hormones levels are irregular or if they believe they require further tests.

The company may take 3 weeks to issue results.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • free shipping
  • analysis in a CLIA-certified lab
  • saliva sample required

Cons

  • no membership for regular buyers
  • long waiting time for results
  • no consultations with Verisana’s doctors

For medical support: LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test

LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test

Price: $99

LetsGetChecked’s cortisol test measures cortisol levels and requires a blood sample.

The company provides users with all the tools they need, such as lancets and tubes.

It recommends that people get tested if they have Cushing’s syndrome symptoms, Addison’s disease, or take testosterone.

LetsGetChecked also states that it is best to take the test between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and return the sample to the lab on the same day.

Individuals can access their results using their online account within 5 days.

LetsGetChecked’s medical team is available 24/7 and will contact users to discuss results.

A regular subscription is available, which reduces the cost of one-time tests.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • doctor consultations
  • a subscription option for regular buyers
  • accepts FSA and HSA payments

Cons

  • no health insurance
  • not a good option for persons with a fear of needles
  • extra charge for express shipping

For personalized recommendations: Thorne Weight Management Test

Thorne Weight Management Test

Price: $327

This weight management kit measures biomarkers associated with a person’s weight management.

Orders include gauze pads, biohazard bags, a return envelope, and saliva collection tubes, among other tools that users may need for the test.

It requires a blood and saliva sample collection and measures the following:

  • reproductive hormones, such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone
  • adrenal hormones, such as cortisol
  • blood sugar levels
  • vitamin D
  • thyroid hormones

Individuals mail their samples to the company’s lab. Physicians review the results, which are available after 8-10 business days.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • available personalized recommendations
  • necessary tools provided
  • subscription option when buying three or more products
  • recyclable packaging

Cons

  • longer turnaround time than other options
  • more expensive than other options
  • does not ship to P.O. boxes

Product comparison

The chart below shows how the five metabolism tests differ from each other:

Everlywell Metabolism TestmyLABBOX At Home Metabolism TestVerisana Weight Hormone CheckLetsGetChecked Cortisol TestThorne Weight Management Test
Price$49$99$149.95$99$327
Sample methodblood and salivablood and salivasalivabloodblood and saliva
Resultswithin 5 dayswithin 5 days3 weekswithin 5 daysafter 8-10 days
Subscription?yesnonoyesyes

How to choose

There are several online brands that stock at-home metabolism tests. Below are some factors that people can consider before purchasing:

  • Sample collection: Most test kits require both a blood and saliva sample. Those uncomfortable using needles may prefer a product that only requires saliva samples.
  • Cost: At-home tests can be expensive, especially if individuals buy them for one-time use. Regular users may prefer a company that offers regular subscriptions at a reduced cost.
  • Consultations: Some companies offer free consultations so that customers can discuss their results with doctors or nurses.
  • Results: Product pages list the number of days that the laboratory takes to publish results. Most of the time, people receive them within a few days, and they can access them via email or through an online portal.

What is a metabolism test? 

A metabolism test measures the rate at which the body uses oxygen or burns calories. It can estimate how many calories a person burns when at rest or during activity, which can help them with their fitness and weight goals.

Metabolism refers to the body’s process of converting food into energy. The body uses this energy for everyday tasks, including keeping warm, movement, and other activities.

An individual can receive metabolic testing at some healthcare facilities and fitness centers. In addition, several companies offer home tests to help people determine their metabolic rate.

What hormones can they test? 

It is important to note that no home test can diagnose a health condition, so people should interpret their results with the help of a doctor.

Some metabolism tests look at key hormone levels that can affect a person’s metabolism. These test results could indicate a hormone issue that could be affecting an individual’s weight and other aspects of health. For example, many hormone metabolism tests look at cortisol levels, TSH, and free testosterone.

Cortisol

A hormone metabolism test may indicate a person has too much or too little cortisol. This hormone plays a role in regulating metabolism, the immune system, and how the body responds to stress.

Having too much cortisol for an extended period can lead to low libido. People with uteruses may have irregular periods or periods that stop altogether, which doctors call amenorrhea.

Having too much cortisol can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome. This condition can cause many symptoms, including high blood pressure, mood swings, and rapid weight gain around the face, chest, and abdomen.

In contrast, having too little cortisol may also be a sign of Addison’s disease, which can be life threatening without treatment. Some symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.

Thyroid stimulating hormone

A hormone metabolism test may indicate whether a person has too much or too little TSH. This hormone plays a role in maintaining metabolism, muscle control, brain development, and heart and digestion functions.

Having too much TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Some symptoms of this condition include feeling cold, fatigue, and experiencing unintentional weight gain.

In contrast, having too little TSH may indicate an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. Some symptoms of this condition include unintentional weight loss, feeling hot, and anxiety symptoms.

Free testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is present in both females and males.

In females with too much testosterone, it can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome. Some symptoms of this condition include acne, more body and facial hair, and a deeper voice.

Males with too little testosterone may experience increased body fat, sleep disturbances, and erectile dysfunction.

What types of metabolic tests are there? 

There are four types of metabolic tests. The most common home test that screens certain possible health conditions are metabolic hormone tests.

Home metabolic testing often looks at hormone levels in the blood or saliva. In addition to screening for hormone levels that may suggest an underlying condition, these tests may also indicate causes of weight gain.

The following hormones may play a role in weight gain and loss:

  • Cortisol: ResearchTrusted Source has shown that higher cortisol levels could predict more weight gain.
  • TSH: ResearchersTrusted Source are not sure how much of a role the thyroid and the TSH have on weight loss. However, a 2017 studyTrusted Source indicates that a higher presence of free thyroid hormones predicts more weight loss in adults with obesity.
  • Free testosterone: ResearchTrusted Source indicates that testosterone therapy may help males with low testosterone and obesity lose weight. The researchers suggest that testosterone therapy may encourage sustained weight loss and maintenance of a person’s weight goal compared with other treatments.

However, people should always interpret their metabolic test results with the help of a doctor. If a person receives a test result that indicates hormone levels that are too low or too high, they should contact a healthcare professional for further tests.

When to contact a doctor 

At-home metabolism tests are not substitutes for medical advice. People should always contact a doctor to discuss their results.

An individual can speak with a doctor if they receive a metabolism test result that shows their hormone levels are too low or too high. Although the test cannot diagnose what is causing these uncharacteristic levels, a doctor can.

A person interested in using the home metabolic test for weight loss or maintenance should speak with a doctor, nutritionist, or fitness professional, who can help design a diet and exercise program that meets their requirements.

Where can you get tested?

In a medical facility or fitness center

Traditionally, metabolic testing was done in medical settings. Recently, this type of test has become available at many gyms and health clubs.

Since certification is not required to read the results of metabolic tests, some users feel that testing done at fitness centers is less accurate than those a medical professional performs. If you’re interested in having your metabolism tested, talk to a doctor about finding a reliable testing facility in your area.

The cost may vary as well. Metabolic testing is usually expensive. It’s up to you to decide where you should get a metabolic test done. Finding out whether your insurance covers it may help you to decide.

Home testing

At-home testing is also available. Most at-home metabolism tests look at hormone levels that can affect metabolism, such as:

  • cortisol
  • insulin
  • progesterone
  • thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3)

This can be beneficial, but differs from metabolic rate.

At-home testing kits include: the Wellnicity At-Home Metabolism Test Kit and the EverlyWell Metabolism Test.

How your metabolism is tested at a medical facility or fitness center

Resting metabolic rate (RMR)

Metabolic testing is typically done in several parts and almost always includes a calorimetry test. This test takes 15 to 30 minutes and is done while you’re reclining.

The equipment used may vary. Some calorimetry tests use a mouthpiece you breathe into. Others require you to recline under a plastic hood that’s attached to a monitor by a tube. This test measures your RMR.

Maximum volume of oxygen (V02 max)

V02 max is determined while you perform an aerobic activity, such as walking or running on a treadmill. You’ll breathe into a mask during this test.

As the test progresses, the speed and incline of the treadmill will continue to increase. The length of time it takes to do this test is determined by your fitness level and ability to continue as the test becomes more challenging.

The results of each test are analyzed using specific formulas that contrast oxygen inhalation and carbon dioxide exhalation.

This allows your healthcare provider or trainer to estimate the number of calories you burn while at rest and during exercise.

Lactate threshold

If you have lactate threshold testing done, your blood will be drawn at varying intervals during ever-increasing levels of aerobic activity, either on a treadmill or a bike.

This test should only be done in a medical setting.

Can metabolic testing be used for weight loss and fitness?

Metabolic testing gives you information about approximately how many calories you burn each day.

Based on this information, you may decide to alter your physical activity or eating habits, so that you burn more (or less) calories daily.

Metabolic testing can be valuable, but the results should only be looked at as part of an overall fitness or wellness program.

Optimum RMR and V02 MAX numbers vary from person to person. They’re based on many factors including:

  • age
  • gender
  • activity level
  • weight history
  • current weight

Keep in mind that your test results provide a snapshot of your metabolism and fitness level on the day you were tested.

If your activity level changes, or your physical fitness improves or declines, your metabolic rate, and numbers, will change.

Remember, the changes you experience will occur over time. You will likely not see any dramatic changes day to day.

Can you change (boost or slow down) your metabolism?

If you blame slow metabolism for hard-to-control weight gain, you’re probably right. Luckily, metabolic rate can be sped up or slowed down safely by altering your lifestyle habits.

Things to try that can boost metabolism include:

  • Exercise. Your metabolic rate changes during the course of an average day. You already know you burn more calories when you’re active than while you’re resting. The more vigorous the activity, the higher your metabolic rate and caloric burn will be. In addition, exercising gives your metabolism a boost for several hours after you stop. The type of exercise you do may also have an effect. Both anaerobic and aerobic exercise can positively affect metabolic rate. If you’re very sedentary (somewhat physically inactive), have a BMI>30, or are elderly, talk to your doctor about an exercise program that’ll be a safe fit for you.
  • Activity. You don’t have to hit the gym daily to boost your metabolism. Small spurts of activity, such as brisk walks can help, and so can standing instead of sitting.
  • Eating a well-balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential to your overall health. For example, eating protein at each meal can boost your metabolic rate. The act of eating requires calories for chewing and digestion. This is called the thermic effect of food (TEF). Protein consumption, including vegetarian forms of protein, cause the highest levels of TEF to occur. You won’t burn as many calories eating a meal as you will while you’re running a marathon, but it will help give your metabolism a nudge in the right direction. Keep in mind that it’s important to practice portion management at each meal to complement eating a balanced diet.
  • Eating enough. Eating more calories than you burn off will typically result in weight gain. However, eating too few calories can have a negative effect that causes your metabolism to slow down. That’s one of the reasons why crash diets don’t work.
  • Drinking water. Drinking water, especially cold water, has also been shownTrusted Source to increase metabolic rate.

What are the different metabolic body types?

There are several metabolic body types that are inherited. Your metabolic type may affect, to some degree, how easy it is for you to lose or gain weight.

Metabolic type is not, however, the only factor that determines physical appearance or weight. In fact, many people are a combination of several metabolic body types. In general, the three types are:

  • Endomorphs. Endomorphs have a medium-to-large bone structure, less muscle mass and more body fat, giving them a rounder appearance. They are thought to have a slow metabolism and may struggle with weight gain.
  • Ectomorphs. Ectomorphs are narrower in size and have smaller joints. They are thought to have the highest metabolic rate of all the metabolic types.
  • Mesomorphs. Mesomorphs have larger skeletons than ectomorphs, and less body fat than endomorphs. They lose weight and gain muscle mass easily.

Diets for particular metabolic types

Scientific evidence about the best diets for metabolic body types is lacking, and not definitive.

Anecdotally, it seems that endomorphs may experience insulin sensitivity more than the other groups. Eating a diet low in carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates, may help. You can learn more about the endomorph diet here.

Mesomorphs may require more calories to support a larger frame and more muscle.

Ectomorphs may have trouble keeping weight on and may struggle to build lean muscle mass. Eating nutrient-dense food every few hours may help.

Your test measures your free testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Your test results include your levels of TSH, cortisol, free testosterone, and whether they are low, normal, or high as compared to established normal ranges. By measuring the levels of each hormone, you can better understand what you may be experiencing with your body composition, weight, and energy levels.

Cortisol

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands and is released in response to stressors like illness and exercise. Cortisol is often referred to as your body’s “stress hormone,” but it has many roles in the body, including helping to control blood sugar levels and regulating energy metabolism. In most people, cortisol levels peak in the morning and are lowest in the middle of the night.

Free Testosterone

Testosterone is primarily produced by the testes or ovaries, respectively, with a small amount produced by the adrenal glands. Free testosterone is not attached to proteins, whereas total testosterone includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to the proteins (e.g. albumin and sex hormone binding globulin) in the blood. While commonly regarded as the primary male sex hormone, testosterone is important for bone density, libido, body fat distribution, and supporting muscle mass across all sexes.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for controlling the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. The hormone TSH is considered the most sensitive marker for screening for thyroid diseases and conditions.

CLIA Certified Labs

Each lab we work with is CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). This means they have to meet high standards to obtain both state and federal certifications and submit themselves to regular inspections.

Physician Reviewed Results

Everlywell tests are reviewed and approved by an independent board-certified physician within your state.

Secure Data

Everlywell is HIPAA compliant and takes your privacy very seriously. We use state-of-the-art, bank-grade encryption to ensure your data is stored securely, and under no circumstance do we ever sell your data.

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