At this time of year, many people are trying to lose some weight and often are tempted to drastically reduce their calorie consumption. While this could result in weight loss for the short term, it will backfire on you in the long run.

One negative consequence of an extremely low-calorie or crash diet relates to your metabolism. Metabolism is the chemical process in your body that converts the food you eat into energy to maintain life processes like breathing, blood circulation, cell repair, and building bones. There is not a lot you can do to alter your metabolism. Your body naturally regulates itself, balancing energy needs with consumption.

Metabolism will be affected if there are not enough calories available to support these basic functions. When you starve yourself, your metabolism recognizes the absence of available fuel and slows downs to conserve energy, thereby burning fewer calories.