The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee How to Speed Up Your Metabolism Naturally (No Calorie Counting Required) | Dr. Neal Barnard
Jan 2, 2026
Join Dr. Neal Barnard, physician, researcher, and founder of the Physicians Committee, as he debunks common metabolism myths. He reveals that a 'slow metabolism' is often a misinterpretation and shares how diet directly affects calorie burn. Learn why high-fat diets can hinder metabolism and how a low-fat, plant-based diet can boost calorie expenditure. Dr. Barnard also discusses the importance of fiber for satiety and gut health, proving that metabolic recovery is possible at any age, all without calorie counting!
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Metabolism Is Responsive Not Fixed
- Metabolism is the collective work of mitochondria and responds to what you eat.
- High-fat diets can quickly slow cellular calorie burn by coating mitochondria in fat.
Cut Dietary Fat To Boost Burn Rate
- Avoid high-fat foods and keep added oils very low to let mitochondria function.
- Switch to a low-fat vegan diet to remove cellular fat and raise metabolism within days.
Thermic Effect Can Be Increased Rapidly
- The thermic effect of food raises calorie burn after meals and is modifiable.
- Neal Barnard measured a ~15% increase in post-meal burn after weeks on a low-fat plant diet.