Permanent damage to metabolism?

[funshine]

Does anyone know if it possible to do this?By eating too few calories over a long period of time or by having an eating disorder??I'm really desperate for some answers so any help much appreciated!!

[Kaz081992]

I don't think you can do permanent damage to your actual metabolism. Other parts of your body - yes. If worried best to see a Doctor. However, one thing that may help you, Cinnamon is supposed to be a really good metabolism regulator (used a lot in greek cooking due to this) and adding some to your meals regulary may help get your metabolism back on track. Certainly wont do any harm!

[VannaB]

You can mess up your metabolism by crash or yo-yo dieting, taking slimming pills, and as far as I am aware, eating disorders can also play havoc too.
It's down to putting the body into 'starvation mode' whereby it's instinct is to slow the metabolism right down and store food as fat to survive the famine. When youstart eating normally again, the metabolism is still in the starvation mode so stores more calories than normal.

The best way to encourage a steady metabolism is to eat little and often, so the body does not go into starvation mode. Ways to increase metabolism safely are by exercise (although this is only elevated for a short time after the workout).