Different metabolisms

Question
Laura
Have you ever encountered a situation like mine?
My husband and I have three kids.
They look alike but their metabolisms couldnt be more different!
My oldest boy, now 24, is your typical(?) teenage boy-he eats like a horse, is not particularly active,but has no body fat at all.
His younger brother is smaller and chubby but not obese. In spite of his weight he doent have a big appetite. His typical menu is cereal for breakfast, he usually has only an apple or banana for lunch (not that hungry), and he eats a light supper.
Some days he eats as little as 1000 calories. No, he doent eat secretly.
I have tried getting him to eat more healthy food like whole grains and veggies but he put on weight.
Child number three, a daughter, is like her oldest brother. It frustrates son number two that his younger sister eats more than him but is not chubby.
They have no medical issues at all, and they are all very active in soccer and hockey.They all walk to school.
I limit TV and computer time, and buy no junk food.
How can there be such a difference in metabolism? My husband and I are both 'normal', however his Dad also had a slow metabolism, and my Dad eats like a horse even at age 79!

Answer
Dear Bonnie, In response to your question, yes I have gotten e-mails from families that have just your same situation. Your middle son can jump start his metabolism by lifting weights or exercising his large muscle groups every day. Rowing, bike riding, fast walking, even Wii fit would help stimulate muscle growth. Next a diet higher in protein and lower in carb would help stimulate metabolism. He should also eat more than 1500 calories per day, so the body doesn't burn muscle for it's daily protein needs. If the body is forced to burn muscle for it's daily protein needs, resting metabolism will slow and muscle mass will be whittled away due to poor nutrition. Hope that helps, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com

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