Question: Also, is it possible to have a fast metabolism and how can i counteract this?

Heather McKee answered on 25 Jun 2010:

Yes it is possible your metabolism is to do with a thing called your BMR-basal metabolic rate this is the amount of enery you burn at rest while the digestive system is inactive(i.e while fasting) therefore the energy relased is the energy needed only for the functioning of your vital organs. BMR can depend on your gentics a high BMR means that you burn a large amount of calories at rest is also known as a ‘fast metabolism’, thus people with a high BMR need to eat more and more frequently than those with lower BMR. BMR decreases with age due to the loss of lean muscle mass-however this can be counteracted by the development of lean muscle mass through weight training-hence why people say weight training increases your ability to burn calories-as muscle burns more energy at rest than fat does. Other influencing factors can be amount of anerobic exercise(i.e short intensity bouts of exercise like interval training), stress levels, illness and temperature can all increase resting BMR oor your metabolic rate.