Is Your Slow Metabolism Real? How to Find Out with a DEXA Scan

If you’ve ever said, “I must have a slow metabolism,” you’re not alone. Many people blame stubborn fat or low energy on a sluggish metabolism—but is it actually true?

Instead of guessing, it’s time to turn to data. A DEXA scan can give you concrete answers about your metabolic health by showing you what’s really going on inside your body.

Here’s how to figure out if your slow metabolism is fact or fiction—and what to do about it.

What People Think a Slow Metabolism Means

When people say “slow metabolism,” they usually mean:

• Gaining fat easily
• Struggling to lose weight
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feeling like they eat less than others but don’t lose weight

But the truth is, your metabolism is influenced by many factors—including muscle mass, fat type, hormonal balance, and activity levels—not just calorie intake.

What Is Metabolism, Really?

Your metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. The largest component is your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)—the energy your body burns at rest.

What influences BMR?

• Lean muscle mass (more muscle = higher BMR)
• Visceral fat (associated with inflammation and hormonal disruption)
• Age (metabolism naturally slows with age)
• Hormones (like thyroid and testosterone)
• Lifestyle (sleep, stress, exercise)

If you want to know if your metabolism is “slow,” you need to know how much muscle you have, how much fat, and where that fat is stored. That’s where a DEXA scan comes in.

How a DEXA Scan Can Reveal Metabolic Truths

A DEXA scan is the gold standard for body composition analysis, offering insights far beyond a scale or BMI. It shows:

• Lean mass vs. fat mass
• Bone density
• Visceral fat levels
• Fat distribution
• Regional muscle imbalances

Why This Matters for Metabolism:

• Low muscle mass = lower calorie burn at rest
• High visceral fat = more metabolic dysfunction and inflammation
• Poor fat-to-muscle ratio = inefficient energy usage

If your DEXA scan shows low lean mass and high visceral fat, your body likely burns fewer calories at rest—confirming a real metabolic slowdown.

What to Do If You Do Have a Slow Metabolism

Good news: your metabolism isn’t fixed. Here’s how to improve it:

1. Build Muscle

Muscle is metabolically active. Strength training is one of the best ways to boost your metabolism naturally.

2. Reduce Visceral Fat

Losing belly fat improves insulin sensitivity and hormonal function. DEXA scans help you track visceral fat reduction precisely.

3. Improve Sleep & Stress

Chronic sleep loss and high cortisol levels can tank metabolism. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and manage daily stress.

4. Eat Enough (and Eat Smart)

Too few calories can slow metabolism. Focus on protein-rich meals and avoid extreme dieting.

5. Scan Monthly

Track your muscle gain, fat loss, and visceral fat changes every month with a DEXA scan for tight feedback loops.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at Kalos Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

Schedule your scan today at Kalos—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

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