Basal Metabolic Rate

Definition

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the amount of energy your body needs to maintain basic life functions while at rest.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the rate at which your body burns calories to perform essential physiological functions such as breathing, circulation, cell production, and nutrient processing while in a state of complete rest in a thermoneutral environment, typically measured after a 12-hour fast.

Benefits

• Helps to calculate daily calorie needs.
• Aids in understanding energy expenditure.
• Can assist in designing a personalized diet plan.

Examples

• BMR calculations for a specific individual using metrics like weight, height, age, and gender.
• Using BMR to adjust calorie intake for weight loss or gain.

Additional Information

• Importance: Knowing your BMR is crucial for understanding your body's energy needs, which can help tailor a nutritional and exercise plan to meet your health goals.

Related Terms

• Resting Metabolic Rate
• Caloric Intake
• Body Mass Index
• Energy Expenditure

References

• Basal Metabolic Rate: Overview and Implications
• Understanding BMR for better health management