Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculator

People trying to lose weight are often told they need to be mindful of their calorie intake and calorie burn. While they usually equate calorie burn with exercising, a crucial point to note is that your body also uses energy to carry out vital functions. That is where metabolism and a Basal Metabolic Rate calculator come in. Read ahead for details.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) refers to the amount of energy per unit time used by the human body to continue functioning normally while at rest (when the digestive system is not active).

All bodily functions require energy. Even when we are resting, the human body uses energy for breathing, transport of oxygen and nutrients through circulation, usage of these nutrients by the cells, brain functioning, pumping of the heart, etc. 

The body's metabolism refers to all the vital processes that take place physiologically in order to keep a person alive. BMR of a person can determine the rate at which a person can expend energy, or burn calories. This can affect the rate at which an individual gains or loses weight. 

The BMR of an average individual accounts for 60 to 70% of their daily total energy expenditure. Also, the term Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is an entity used to describe the amount of energy the body burns when at rest. The terms RMR and BMR, though varying slightly, are used interchangeably.

An online Basal Metabolic Rate calculator is a widget that enables you to calculate your BMR. You can use a BMR calculator to estimate your BMR by entering the following details.

The clinical measurement of BMR is done under very restricted conditions while awake, so as to get an accurate reading. A part of the nervous system of the body called the sympathetic nervous system should remain inactive when BMR is being measured. This requires an individual to be at complete rest. 

What is used commonly is a formula known as the Harris-Benedict Formula which can provide a rough estimate of BMR based on one's gender, age, height & weight. A little more accurate formula is the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation. Note: These formulae provide a close estimation of your BMR and not the exact value. They do however provide a pretty close estimation of your body's basal energy expenditure.

In laboratories, BMR was calculated by gas analysis via direct or indirect calorimetry, a technique that calculates the amount of heat expended by an individual by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled or oxygen inhaled. This is not commonly done.

Understanding your BMR is helpful in managing your body weight. Whether you are attempting to lose weight, maintain the same weight, or gain it, knowing your BMR helps you consume the right amount of calories. Based on your BMR and your daily activities, you can calculate your daily calorie requirement.

So, if your aim is to lose weight, consuming fewer calories than you burn will help you do that. Always remember that pills given to “speed up” your metabolism or fat burner pills are not the solution! Even with a slow metabolism, weight loss can be achieved by focusing on building lean muscle mass by strength training, keeping the caloric intake in check, and reducing stress.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.