Your health can be improved by losing fat. Muscle loss can lead to weight gain, even though you are eating fewer calories. This is sometimes called "lowering your metabolism". Extra low-calorie diets can lower your metabolism. Here are some ways to keep your metabolism high and still lose fat. You will be more likely overeat if you wait until you feel hungry. You will be more likely to eat smaller meals every few hours to keep your metabolism going and less likely to overeat at one meal.