Basal Metabolic Rate

Definition

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

Scientific / Technical Definition

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) represents the minimum amount of energy required by the body to perform critical involuntary functions for life, such as maintaining body temperature, heart contraction, and cellular metabolism, when completely at rest in a thermoneutral environment, typically measured after a full night's sleep and a 12-hour fasting period.

Benefits

• Understanding your BMR can help tailor a personal nutrition plan to maintain, gain, or lose weight.
• Helps in determining the total daily energy expenditure, which can aid in managing energy balance and metabolism.

Examples

Additional Information

• Importance: Basal Metabolic Rate is important for calculating how much energy your body needs on a daily basis to function properly at rest. It is a critical component in designing weight management and fitness programs.

Related Terms

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

References

• Understanding BMR and Its Role in Weight Management
• Basal Metabolic Rate: Scope and Applications