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4 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism and Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

November 24, 2025

Americans typically gain between one and six pounds during the holiday season, though experts indicate that gradual weight accumulation throughout the year poses a more significant challenge. The body's metabolism, which converts food into energy, is primarily determined by factors including muscle mass, age, height, weight, and genetics, with muscle tissue playing the most crucial role in calorie burning. Medical professionals recommend four evidence-based strategies to maintain metabolic efficiency: consuming fiber-rich foods that require more digestive energy, eating protein regularly to support muscle maintenance, engaging in strength training exercises to build lean muscle, and prioritizing adequate sleep to regulate hunger hormones.

Who is affected

  • Average Americans (who gain one to six pounds during holidays)
  • Younger people (who typically burn calories faster)
  • Women (who generally have slower metabolic rates than men)
  • People trying to maintain weight during the holiday season

What action is being taken

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article
  • (Note: The article provides recommendations and advice, but does not describe actions that are explicitly stated as currently ongoing by specific individuals or organizations.)

Why it matters

  • This matters because holiday weight gain is a widespread public health concern affecting millions of Americans, and the cumulative weight gained between New Year's and Thanksgiving represents an even larger long-term health challenge. Understanding how metabolism works and having science-backed strategies empowers people to make informed choices about their health during a time when overindulgence is common. The muscle-metabolism connection is particularly significant because building lean muscle creates lasting metabolic benefits that burn calories even during rest, offering a sustainable approach to weight management beyond temporary dieting.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

4 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism and Prevent Holiday Weight Gain