Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) refers to the amount of energy, measured in calories, that your body requires to perform its most basic (basal) life-sustaining functions.
These functions include breathing, circulation, cell production, nutrient processing, protein synthesis, and ion transport.
Essentially, it's the minimum calorie requirement needed to keep your body functioning at rest, including maintaining your body's temperature, repairing cells, and other metabolic processes.
BMR varies from person to person, influenced by several factors:
1. Body Size and Composition:
Individuals with more muscle mass have a higher BMR because muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, even at rest.
2. Sex:
Generally, males have a higher BMR compared to females because they tend to have more muscle mass.
3. Age:
BMR tends to decrease with age due to a decrease in muscle mass and other physiological changes.
4. Genetics:
Genetic factors can also play a role in determining an individual's BMR.
5. Hormonal and Health Status:
Thyroid hormones significantly affect BMR.
Conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can lead to an increase or decrease in BMR, respectively.
Other health conditions and hormonal balances also influence BMR.
Calculating BMR is a key component in understanding and managing your energy balance.
It helps in estimating the total number of calories you need to maintain your current weight.
When planning diets or weight management programs, knowing your BMR can guide you to set more accurate daily calorie intake targets for weight loss, gain, or maintenance.
There are several formulas used to estimate BMR, with the Harris-Benedict Equation and the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation being among the most commonly used.
These equations take into account the factors mentioned above (age, sex, weight, and height) to estimate your calorie needs at rest.
It's important to note that these formulas provide estimates, and actual calorie needs may vary based on other factors, including physical activity levels and overall health status.