Re: Is it possible to slow down your metabolism ?

Dear ?,
     I am a bit uncomfortable answering this question, since I'm not sure 
what the age/gender/etc. is of the person asking the question.  It makes a 
difference to me, since I'd rather make my answer more personal, than just 
general, and maybe at the wrong level.
     Here goes.  Your metabolism (basal metabolic rate, to the 
nutritionist) is pretty well set by your own body.  It is a function of 
your age, gender, state of reproduction (for a woman), state of health, 
genetics, state of nutrition, and body size (actually your body's surface 
area)...and a number of other variables.  Your body will try to defend this 
metabolic rate, so it is difficult to either raise it, or lower it (as you 
asked).
     Obviously, if you could change any of the variables that affect 
metabolic rate, then you could influence it in subtle ways.  For example, 
when a woman is pregnant, her metabolic rate is raised;  when you lose 
weight on a reducing diet (i.e., semistarvation) your metabolic rate will 
go down;  as you age, your metabolic rate goes down, estimated to do so 
about 2-3 % per decade after adolescence.
     Some drugs do make very modest changes in your metabolic rate, usually 
only for the short-term.  The problem with any of these drugs is that to 
have major effect on your metabolic rate, they have to cause major changes 
in the way your body chooses to use energy...and can have serious side 
effects, such as permanent raise in blood pressure.
     If the reason for asking your question is that you would like to gain 
weight (slow down metabolism), then there are some safe/sane suggestions 
for doing that.  The answer lies in increasing energy (kilocalorie) intake 
and maybe decreasing physical activity (if you are being obsessive about 
it, and doing too much).  That might mean eating more often, eating more at 
a time, choosing more energy rich (fat-containing?) foods occasionally, and 
being more relaxed about your behaviors around eating.
     I hope this answered your question.