Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
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 (BMR) refers to the minimum caloric requirement needed to sustain life in a resting individual. It represents the energy expenditure by the body to sustain vital functions of organs and tissues and is typically measured in a post-absorptive state, usually about 12 hours after the last meal, in a thermally neutral environment to avoid heat or cold stress.
Benefits
- Helps in understanding daily caloric needs.
- Assists in weight management by calculating energy expenditure.
- Provides insight into metabolic health.
Examples
- Using BMR calculators to estimate daily calorie needs.
- Adjusting diet plans based on BMR for weight loss or gain.
Additional Information
- importance: Understanding BMR is crucial for creating effective diet and exercise plans tailored to individual metabolic needs, helping either in weight loss, weight gain, or maintenance.
Related Terms
Last updated: 10/19/2024