Resting Metabolic Rate

Definition

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the amount of energy, measured in calories, that a person's body needs to maintain basic physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and cellular growth while at rest.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) refers to the number of calories the body requires to maintain essential bodily functions while at rest in a post-absorptive state, meaning that digestion is not actively occurring. It is a critical component of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and differs from the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in that it doesn't require strict laboratory conditions for measurement.

Benefits

• Helps determine daily caloric needs.
• Supports weight management efforts.
• Provides insights into metabolic health.
• Useful in designing personalized diet and fitness programs.

Examples

• Measured using indirect calorimetry equipment.
• Estimation through various RMR prediction equations such as the Harris-Benedict equation.

Additional Information

• importance: Understanding RMR is important for individuals looking to tailor their diet and exercise regimes to meet specific health and fitness goals.

Related Terms

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Total Daily Energy Expenditure
• Caloric Intake
• Metabolism

References

• Understanding Your Metabolism
• The Science of Resting Metabolic Rate