Several factors influence an individual’s metabolism rate, including age, gender, muscle mass, and activity level. Generally, younger individuals tend to have faster metabolisms, while muscle mass plays a critical role, as muscle burns more calories at rest than fat. Gender differences also exist, with males often having higher metabolic rates due to greater muscle mass. Additionally, dietary choices—such as protein intake and meal frequency—can affect metabolism. Finally, certain health conditions and hormonal influences further complicate the individual variations in metabolic rates.