Several factors influence your metabolic rate, including age, gender, muscle mass, and physical activity levels. Generally, younger individuals possess a higher metabolic rate, while it naturally decreases with age. Men typically have a higher metabolic rate than women due to greater muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be because muscle burns more calories at rest compared to fat. Additionally, factors like hormones, hydration, and temperature can also impact metabolism, making it essential to consider these elements for optimized health and effective weight management.