Spices and chilli, as well as coffee, will temporarily boost our metabolism for a short period of time, almost insignificantly.

A recently published study used data from 6,500 people from 29 different countries.

It found evidence that shows that the base metabolic rate of an infant shoots to almost double that of an adult shortly after birth but then begins to steadily decline until about the age of 20.

Then from age 20 – 60 it remains the same and then it slowly begins to decline again after the age of 60 reaching a 20% reduction by age 95. 

There are many genetic and lifestyle factors that affect how excess weight is added to the body. What we do know now, however, is that skinny people burn the same amount of energy per pound of weight as people who are overweight. So the difference in weight has to be attributed to other factors.

"Weight loss is not linked to metabolism"

Some studies that reached this conclusion:

• 2017. Increases in Physical Activity Result in Diminishing Increments in Daily Energy Expenditure in Mice
• 2021. Exploring the evidence for epigenetic regulation of environmental influences on child health across generations.
• 2022. Energy compensation and metabolic adaptation: “The Biggest Loser”

To stay trim the best tactic is to avoid putting extra weight on in the first instance. If, however, we do have some extra weight then losing it has to be a slow, methodical process that incorporates exercise and an increase in daily physical activity.

• Things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, increase the body’s caloric burn significantly. 
• When combined with a sustained and sustainable exercise program, They become the tried-and-true strategy for preserving our ideal weight.