Would You Want a Faster Metabolism and Be Able to Lose Weight If It Meant You Would Also Look Older and Die Sooner?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I was thinking about this as I finished my workout today and saw yet another ad for some other miracle product that is supposed to "speed up your metabolism."

Like most people, I've always thought it would be great if I could "have a fast metabolism" and just burn all the calories away. But a while back, I read about a study in which scientists increased the metabolism of mice (making fat mice slim,) BUT, these mice also showed accelerated signs of aging and passed away faster than usual.

A quick Google search brought up a 2011 study in which it was hypothesized that this MIGHT also apply to humans, but more recent studies seem to think they may possibly only apply to small mammals and not people. However, they are not entirely sure.

Regardless, I thought it was an interesting thought. One of the ongoing conversations I have with a few internet friends is how everything has a price, so I was just wondering if people would still choose this, if they knew they were literally paying for it with their own life.

* If you had to choose between having a faster metabolism that helps you lose weight but makes you look 10 years older and die 5 years earlier than if you stayed the way you are, which would you choose, and why? *

I know it might seem like a morbid question, but I think it's interesting. Even Christians are prone to the cultural pressure of having a certain body type, looking as young as possible, and being strong and active enough to keep up with your kids and grandkids.

I'm dropping this thread in Singles 1. because it's the place I just always post, and 2. as a single woman, I feel a lot of pressure to have to try to do whatever I can to keep my weight down if I'm ever going to attract someone. However, it's not just about vanity. Christian or not, I think we all feel a lot of pressure to lose weight and try to be healthier. After all, our health impacts every part of our daily lives.

Not long ago, I took a flight in which I had the aisle seat, then there was a girl in the middle seat, and another girl on the other side near the window. The girl by the window and myself were on the smaller side, but the girl in the middle was a bit bigger, and the poor thing had cross her arms in order to "fit in her seat" during the entire flight.

I am certainly not saying this to criticize in any way, because if I wasn't receiving medical care, I'm sure I would be at least twice the size that I am now. I felt a lot of sympathy for this girl. I tried my best to scooch over on my side and leave her as much room as I could. You may wonder why I didn't offer to swap seats with her, but the whole reason I'd purposely booked an aisle seat is because I get motion sickness and claustrophobic on planes. I need the aisle seat to help cut down my nausea, keep me from feeling trapped, and to make a quick exit in case I do become uncontrollably sick.

But I was thinking of how uncomfortable and embarrassing it must have been for the girl next to me. She had earbuds in the whole time so I didn't want to disturb her, so I sat and silently prayed. I had the same thing happen while sitting next to larger man on the flight back. And seeing others in this circumstance also made me resolve to try even harder to work on my health and fitness, because I know it would be very easy for me to get depressed and give up even trying. (I am not in any way blaming or faulting anyone who is struggling with weight. What I am trying to demonstrate is that I am very familiar with the battle, just maybe in a different way than some.)

So, as someone who is always trying to run ahead of extra pounds, how would I answer my own question here?

To be completely honest, I'm still on the fence.

How about the rest of you?

 

[Gojira]

You and these hypotheticals... LOL

I would not necessarily want to die sooner. But, faster metabolism, dropping weight... I don't see how these would be detrimental to one's health. Weight gain, for one, is the source of numerous health problems cutting life, and its quality, short.

I think people should try to be as fit and as attractive as they can be. I think we should strive for excellence in all areas of our lives, not just external beauty.

And... internal beauty, Christlikeness, being the best you can be at what you do, all are part of it.

I don't see why so many Christians seem to make this an either/or issue. Sure, one lasts longer and is more important for enduring relationships. But, the other enhances, motivates, helps. And, ain't nothing wrong with not having to drag around an O2 tank when you're 80.

 

[TabinRivCA]

For me, I don't need to lose weight but I'd rather be pleasantly plump than to age fast and die younger, lol. Now if I was under 30 and overweight, I might go for the offer, it may be an option. Will this happen someday I wouldn't be surprised with the way some people spend money on diet related things when a healthy sometimes is all that it takes.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Hey Everyone,

I was thinking about this as I finished my workout today and saw yet another ad for some other miracle product that is supposed to "speed up your metabolism."

Like most people, I've always thought it would be great if I could "have a fast metabolism" and just burn all the calories away. But a while back, I read about a study in which scientists increased the metabolism of mice (making fat mice slim,) BUT, these mice also showed accelerated signs of aging and passed away faster than usual.

A quick Google search brought up a 2011 study in which it was hypothesized that this MIGHT also apply to humans, but more recent studies seem to think they may possibly only apply to small mammals and not people. However, they are not entirely sure.

Regardless, I thought it was an interesting thought. One of the ongoing conversations I have with a few internet friends is how everything has a price, so I was just wondering if people would still choose this, if they knew they were literally paying for it with their own life.

* If you had to choose between having a faster metabolism that helps you lose weight but makes you look 10 years older and die 5 years earlier than if you stayed the way you are, which would you choose, and why? *

I know it might seem like a morbid question, but I think it's interesting. Even Christians are prone to the cultural pressure of having a certain body type, looking as young as possible, and being strong and active enough to keep up with your kids and grandkids.

I'm dropping this thread in Singles 1. because it's the place I just always post, and 2. as a single woman, I feel a lot of pressure to have to try to do whatever I can to keep my weight down if I'm ever going to attract someone. However, it's not just about vanity. Christian or not, I think we all feel a lot of pressure to lose weight and try to be healthier. After all, our health impacts every part of our daily lives.

Not long ago, I took a flight in which I had the aisle seat, then there was a girl in the middle seat, and another girl on the other side near the window. The girl by the window and myself were on the smaller side, but the girl in the middle was a bit bigger, and the poor thing had cross her arms in order to "fit in her seat" during the entire flight.

I am certainly not saying this to criticize in any way, because if I wasn't receiving medical care, I'm sure I would be at least twice the size that I am now. I felt a lot of sympathy for this girl. I tried my best to scooch over on my side and leave her as much room as I could. You may wonder why I didn't offer to swap seats with her, but the whole reason I'd purposely booked an aisle seat is because I get motion sickness and claustrophobic on planes. I need the aisle seat to help cut down my nausea, keep me from feeling trapped, and to make a quick exit in case I do become uncontrollably sick.

But I was thinking of how uncomfortable and embarrassing it must have been for the girl next to me. She had earbuds in the whole time so I didn't want to disturb her, so I sat and silently prayed. I had the same thing happen while sitting next to larger man on the flight back. And seeing others in this circumstance also made me resolve to try even harder to work on my health and fitness, because I know it would be very easy for me to get depressed and give up even trying. (I am not in any way blaming or faulting anyone who is struggling with weight. What I am trying to demonstrate is that I am very familiar with the battle, just maybe in a different way than some.)

So, as someone who is always trying to run ahead of extra pounds, how would I answer my own question here?

To be completely honest, I'm still on the fence.

How about the rest of you?

I would stay the way I am. I don't see a lot of benefit in losing weight/having faster metabolism if that is going cause me to look OLDER and die SOONER. My weight is generally fine (BMI within upper range) but sometimes it does go over. Even if I was several sizes larger, I would make it a point to lose weight/eat better/exercise more, but I likely won't lose sleep over this.

 

[JohnDB]

Genetics, along with learned behaviors and self perception all play into the role of how much you weigh.
And all this time you thought that it was your fault.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

God is responsible...He is the one that determined your genetics and which snips would be active and which would be dormant.
God also is responsible for the path you have traveled in your life...including the parents you have and everything that has gone into your diet and exercise routines.

God loves you and so do I. Even if you don't.

You don't need to change to get "the man of your dreams".
If God wants you married you will get the man that is better than you ever dreamed possible.

I know people obsess over their appearance. Bald guys (like my grandfather) are always concerned about the lack of hair...women obsess over the color and cut of their hair.
Never mind the sheer volume of stuff marketed to try and make you more attractive. From clothing to makeup to shoes to girdles and etc....when all they really want is your money.

And it is difficult to get past this for a LOT of people. You are who you are. Why change your appearance and do nothing about your attitudes or values? Familiarity breeds contempt...it doesn't matter how pretty you are...after a few months every guy is going to be immune to your appearance anyway...

You don't need a $5,000.00 purse as an accessory to a $10,000 dress and a $2,000 pair of shoes on top of a $400 cut and style hairdoo to be absolutely attractive and desirable to those that it matters to. And if they are attracted to you because of those things...then the chances are that they are a reject to you.

Beauty is only skin deep but Ugly goes to the bone...and most all of those "pretty" women are truly best when they are specialty antique furniture in a room...something nice to look at but you absolutely cannot get comfortable with them. They are unable to hold up their end of a conversation that goes beyond simple pleasantries. They have no brain or experience beyond their workout and makeup routines...they are a clothes horse...made to make clothing look good...but there is no real person on the inside.

That "health" thing only goes so far with weight. Can you walk quickly up and down stairs? climb to the balcony in church or SS classes on the second floor? Have any issues with getting to the seat at the ball park? Since I severely doubt this...you are just fine.

Confidence is great in women just like it is with men. Be YOU...God loves you and thinks the world of you and so do I.
If you are a genuinely nice and agreeable soul who likes giving of your talents and abilities...there isn't a reasonable guy out there that won't recognize the mother of his children.

 

[seoulsearch]

You and these hypotheticals... LOL

Heh.

I know hypotheticals seem like a waste of time to most people because they're, well, hypothetical. Situations that seem worthless to talk about because they won't ever happen.

But a lot of times when I post, there's a motivation behind the stage set by the OP (original post.)

The Singles Forum, to me at least, is all about getting to know each other, and I see hypotheticals as a valuable means of doing so. It's not just about answering a question that will likely never occur -- it's more about what the person is telling you about themselves in order to answer.

There are typical things to learn about people -- their favorite foods, colors, music, hobbies, spirit animals -- such as a giant city-eating lizard , but when people answer questions about what and why, it tells you about their character.

For instance, if someone says, "I'd choose the faster metabolism in a heartbeat," my immediate reactions are:

* Is that person unafraid of aging (because I really admire that)? Have they battled with weight their entire lives, and what have they tried?

* Has this person had a time in their live when their metabolism might have actually been faster, and what was it like for them?

* How do they react to the way the other people here are answering -- how are they treating those people, even the ones that disagree or have a different point of view?

Now I love posting about cute, fluffy things as much as anyone else, and I'm sure you'll see me do that occasionally to.

But for the most part, I'm always interested in the real show going on behind the stage, and I find these types of questions to be one of the easiest ways to bring them out.

It's really a psychological sleight of hand that pulls back the curtain for those who are intently watching.

The focus might appear to be on the question at hand.

But in reality, it's all about the people who answer.

 

[seoulsearch]

You and these hypotheticals... LOL

P.S. This is also how I met the group of CC buddies who became real-life friends.

I would throw out a lot of questions and there would be people who would answer that got me wondering more about who they were as a person. Soon I would be stalking, er, following their posts to learn more about them... and then sometimes, just sometimes it would move to PM, then to chatting or talking outside of CC...

And while it admittedly took several years, some of us finally met in person (and have done so more than once.)

It's also how some people got to know me, so you know what they say... If the formula ain't broke, don't try fixing it.

Now granted, I realize this process is too slow and tedious for most people.

But sometimes my inner optimist (it's rare, I know) breaks free and wants to believe that this just might work for other people too, so that's the part of my personality that is trying to (hopefully) create connections for other people as well.

 

[Beckie]

Genetics, along with learned behaviors and self perception all play into the role of how much you weigh.
And all this time you thought that it was your fault.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

God is responsible...He is the one that determined your genetics and which snips would be active and which would be dormant.
God also is responsible for the path you have traveled in your life...including the parents you have and everything that has gone into your diet and exercise routines.

God loves you and so do I. Even if you don't.

You don't need to change to get "the man of your dreams".
If God wants you married you will get the man that is better than you ever dreamed possible.

I know people obsess over their appearance. Bald guys (like my grandfather) are always concerned about the lack of hair...women obsess over the color and cut of their hair.
Never mind the sheer volume of stuff marketed to try and make you more attractive. From clothing to makeup to shoes to girdles and etc....when all they really want is your money.

And it is difficult to get past this for a LOT of people. You are who you are. Why change your appearance and do nothing about your attitudes or values? Familiarity breeds contempt...it doesn't matter how pretty you are...after a few months every guy is going to be immune to your appearance anyway...

You don't need a $5,000.00 purse as an accessory to a $10,000 dress and a $2,000 pair of shoes on top of a $400 cut and style hairdoo to be absolutely attractive and desirable to those that it matters to. And if they are attracted to you because of those things...then the chances are that they are a reject to you.

Beauty is only skin deep but Ugly goes to the bone...and most all of those "pretty" women are truly best when they are specialty antique furniture in a room...something nice to look at but you absolutely cannot get comfortable with them. They are unable to hold up their end of a conversation that goes beyond simple pleasantries. They have no brain or experience beyond their workout and makeup routines...they are a clothes horse...made to make clothing look good...but there is no real person on the inside.

That "health" thing only goes so far with weight. Can you walk quickly up and down stairs? climb to the balcony in church or SS classes on the second floor? Have any issues with getting to the seat at the ball park? Since I severely doubt this...you are just fine.

Confidence is great in women just like it is with men. Be YOU...God loves you and thinks the world of you and so do I.
If you are a genuinely nice and agreeable soul who likes giving of your talents and abilities...there isn't a reasonable guy out there that won't recognize the mother of his children.

O boy time to bake more cookies

 

[JohnDB]

P.S. This is also how I met the group of CC buddies who became real-life friends.

I would throw out a lot of questions and there would be people who would answer that got me wondering more about who they were as a person. Soon I would be stalking, er, following their posts to learn more about them... and then sometimes, just sometimes it would move to PM, then to chatting or talking outside of CC...

And while it admittedly took several years, some of us finally met in person (and have done so more than once.)

It's also how some people got to know me, so you know what they say... If the formula ain't broke, don't try fixing it.

Now granted, I realize this process is too slow and tedious for most people.

But sometimes my inner optimist (it's rare, I know) breaks free and wants to believe that this just might work for other people too, so that's the part of my personality that is trying to (hopefully) create connections for other people as well.

And I have found that sometimes it is the things that they never discuss that are sometimes more important than the things that they do discuss.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I just want the same metabolism I had when I was younger

 

[tourist]

I have a high metabolism and are chronically underweight. I can eat whatever I want, as much as I want, anytime that I want. If I gain a pound 2 days later it is gone.

 

[Beckie]

I have a high metabolism and are chronically underweight. I can eat whatever I want, as much as I want, anytime that I want. If I gain a pound 2 days later it is gone.

Un natural

 

[Lynx]

Hmm... For me it would be more a practical choice than a matter of how I look. Do I want more energy to do more stuff, but less time in which to do it? Or do I want less energy to do stuff, but more time?

Answer: Beats me. I don't know what I will need tomorrow on the job, much less what I will need for the rest of my life. I just hope I will have what I need to do what I need to do, when I need to do it.

 

[seoulsearch]

I have a high metabolism and are chronically underweight. I can eat whatever I want, as much as I want, anytime that I want. If I gain a pound 2 days later it is gone.

Now if only you could bottle this up and sell it to us poor unfortunate souls... 🥺

 

[Live4Him3]

None of us knows the day of our death, so "dying faster' isn't an issue with me.

Let's just make sure that we all live out whatever days we have left on this earth with an eternal perspective for both ourselves and others.

 

[JohnDB]

I have a high metabolism and are chronically underweight. I can eat whatever I want, as much as I want, anytime that I want. If I gain a pound 2 days later it is gone.

I have had that most of my life. Then I got married and it started slipping away. So I had to institute "push backs" from the dinner table...
Then Covid hit and it really became a disaster of weight gain....but...I am going to go to work soon enough. Then the weight will fall off.

 

[Seeking-Christ]

I think it's a good idea to live healthy and yet not to get too carried away. Some people become addicted to exercise. As far as the metabolism question is concerned. I'm not sure why we are wondering about this so much. It's not in our control.

Men are attracted to all different kinds of women. Some actually like chubby women. Some like skinny women. Some like them tall. Some like them short. I don't think a woman can win on this. But I can say this, your personality. You kindness. That plays a role in keeping a relationship going.

 

[Willow]

Hey Everyone,

I was thinking about this as I finished my workout today and saw yet another ad for some other miracle product that is supposed to "speed up your metabolism."

Like most people, I've always thought it would be great if I could "have a fast metabolism" and just burn all the calories away. But a while back, I read about a study in which scientists increased the metabolism of mice (making fat mice slim,) BUT, these mice also showed accelerated signs of aging and passed away faster than usual.

A quick Google search brought up a 2011 study in which it was hypothesized that this MIGHT also apply to humans, but more recent studies seem to think they may possibly only apply to small mammals and not people. However, they are not entirely sure.

Regardless, I thought it was an interesting thought. One of the ongoing conversations I have with a few internet friends is how everything has a price, so I was just wondering if people would still choose this, if they knew they were literally paying for it with their own life.

* If you had to choose between having a faster metabolism that helps you lose weight but makes you look 10 years older and die 5 years earlier than if you stayed the way you are, which would you choose, and why? *

I know it might seem like a morbid question, but I think it's interesting. Even Christians are prone to the cultural pressure of having a certain body type, looking as young as possible, and being strong and active enough to keep up with your kids and grandkids.

I'm dropping this thread in Singles 1. because it's the place I just always post, and 2. as a single woman, I feel a lot of pressure to have to try to do whatever I can to keep my weight down if I'm ever going to attract someone. However, it's not just about vanity. Christian or not, I think we all feel a lot of pressure to lose weight and try to be healthier. After all, our health impacts every part of our daily lives.

Not long ago, I took a flight in which I had the aisle seat, then there was a girl in the middle seat, and another girl on the other side near the window. The girl by the window and myself were on the smaller side, but the girl in the middle was a bit bigger, and the poor thing had cross her arms in order to "fit in her seat" during the entire flight.

I am certainly not saying this to criticize in any way, because if I wasn't receiving medical care, I'm sure I would be at least twice the size that I am now. I felt a lot of sympathy for this girl. I tried my best to scooch over on my side and leave her as much room as I could. You may wonder why I didn't offer to swap seats with her, but the whole reason I'd purposely booked an aisle seat is because I get motion sickness and claustrophobic on planes. I need the aisle seat to help cut down my nausea, keep me from feeling trapped, and to make a quick exit in case I do become uncontrollably sick.

But I was thinking of how uncomfortable and embarrassing it must have been for the girl next to me. She had earbuds in the whole time so I didn't want to disturb her, so I sat and silently prayed. I had the same thing happen while sitting next to larger man on the flight back. And seeing others in this circumstance also made me resolve to try even harder to work on my health and fitness, because I know it would be very easy for me to get depressed and give up even trying. (I am not in any way blaming or faulting anyone who is struggling with weight. What I am trying to demonstrate is that I am very familiar with the battle, just maybe in a different way than some.)

So, as someone who is always trying to run ahead of extra pounds, how would I answer my own question here?

To be completely honest, I'm still on the fence.

How about the rest of you?

I myself am slowly getting back to being in the shape I was when I was in Spartan races. After being sick and having other issues for the last few years I am not too concerned about having a little extra weight. My metabolism is better then it was. But I drink a muscle builder drink. I would have to say I would rather keep my metabolism the way it is than to die early . But have to say that is a great question to think about.

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Not all, but some people who exercise a lot look lean but also older (plenty of articles on this). But, I find people who do yoga or similar exercises tend to look younger.

 

[Dino246]

While the idea of manipulating one's metabolism sounds enticing, it also sounds like it would work only for a select few. I've been listening to many hours of diet-related lectures and podcasts over the last year or so. I've learned a lot (of course) but also lost a few pounds following the advice given therein.

In short, cut carbs to a minimum (for some that's zero), eat a significant amount of whole protein (not the low-fat junk) and increase your consumption of saturated fats (from animals, avocados, seafood, dairy; skip the 'vegetable' oils) to make up for the calories you're not eating in carbs. Your metabolism will change because your body will begin to burn fat for fuel instead of glucose.

For those interested in doing their own research, start with the YouTube channel "Low Carb Down Under". Some of the linked material discusses slowing or even reversing aging, but I haven't investigated those areas yet.