If you are a forty-something working mom who has been trying to lose weight, but to no avail, then you need to know what metabolism is, what leads to decreases in the metabolism rate and why boosting your metabolism helps you lose inches from your waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks more efficiently.

What is metabolism? Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories. The faster you burn off calories, the more weight or fat you can slice off even if you eat the same amount of food. The speed at which your body burns calories is called the metabolic rate. This rate can differ significantly from person to person. For example you and your friend can have the same activity level and diet but still gain or lose weight at different rates. The reason is simple differences in metabolism.

You have a very high metabolism at birth but as years pass by your metabolism rate decreases. At mid thirties, metabolism slows by 3 to 5 % every 10 years, so by age 55, you need 150 fewer calories a day than you did in your mid thirties.

This is generally why as working moms get older they tend to gain weight and find it hard to lose inches from their waistline and other areas. Diabetes, poor health, lack of physical activity or an under active thyroid are all factors that could lead to a significant decrease in metabolism and increase in weight. People with conditions like these find that weight loss programs don't work and no matter what they try they just can't shed off excess weight.

Now that you know the causes of decreases in metabolism, you just need to speed up your metabolism to accelerate your weight loss. There'll be nothing hard with what I'm about to say. Just follow the steps and you'll speed up your metabolism to lose extra weight faster.

1. Drink Water. I know it's the boring type of "drink 8 glasses of water" advice. But it's worth repeating. You must drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day to maintain an optimal metabolism rate. Water can help clean your digestive system and eliminate any harmful toxins or excess substances from your body that add to your weight. If possible, drink cold water. Drinking cold water has been proven to boost your metabolism temporarily anywhere from 8-30%. That's huge!

2. Eat 5-6 Smaller Meals. Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs, and keeps your energy levels consistent which in turn will increase and speed up your metabolism. One way to accomplish this would be to eat three healthy nutritious meals and eat healthy nutritious snacks in between those meals keeping yourself satisfied throughout the day.

3. Do Exercise. Do aerobic exercise such as walking, biking or using a stair-climbing machine for at least 30 minutes. These will burn fat from all over your body. To get the greatest benefits from cardiovascular exercise, you need to do it for at least 30 minutes. Of course, the more you exercise the quicker you will burn the fat, but aim for two or three sessions a week to start with.

4. Get 7-8 Hours' Sleep. Sleep deprivation can drain your energy and make it nearly impossible to lose weight. If you aren't getting between 7-8 hours of sleep per night, you may be jeopardizing your own weight loss efforts. It takes time and efforts to lose weight.

But if you have the determination and persistence, you will get back your stop-and-stare body very soon.

Vedis Teh -- A Working Mom Who Loves Sharing Free Weight Loss Tip Updates & Easy Weight Loss Programs With Busy Working Moms. Having A Flat Tummy And Toxin-Free Body Is Her Life Time Goal.