Basal Metabolic Rate

Definition

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production while at rest.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Basal Metabolic Rate is the rate at which your body uses energy when at complete rest to maintain vital bodily functions such as heart rate, respiration, temperature regulation, and homeostasis. It is measured in calories and is a major component of the total energy expenditure of the human body.

Benefits

• Understanding BMR can help with weight management by determining the minimum calorie intake necessary for bodily functions.
• Helps in designing a personalized nutrition and fitness plan.
• Aids in calculating Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) for better dietary planning.

Examples

• An individual's BMR can be estimated using equations such as the Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor equations.
• A person with a high BMR may burn more calories at rest compared to someone with a lower BMR.

Additional Information

• Importance: Understanding BMR is crucial for developing effective weight loss or maintenance strategies as it represents the baseline calorie requirement for the body.

Related Terms

• Total Daily Energy Expenditure
• Body Mass Index
• Caloric Intake
• Metabolism

References

• Understanding BMR and its Influence on Daily Caloric Needs
• The Science of Basal Metabolic Rate