The Full form of BMR
The full form of BMR is Basal Metabolic Rate. BMR can be defined as the pace at which an individual’s body utilizes energy at rest to sustain vital functions like breathing, blood circulation, processing of nutrients, production of cells and staying warm.
BMR is frequently used interchangeably with RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate). However, there is a difference; BMR is the minimum calories needed for life-sustaining functions, while RMR is the number of calories burnt by the body during the rest period.
Harris-Benedict formula is a popular method used to estimate the BMR. It takes height, weight, gender, and age into consideration to provide an accurate measure, i.e.
- For women, BMR = 655 + 9.6(weight) + 1.8(height) – 4.7(age)
- For men, BMR = 66 + 13.7(weight) + 5(height) – 6.8(age)
Here, weight is taken in kg, height in cm and age in years.
An individual’s BMR helps to lose, gain or maintain their weight. Since it helps in acknowledging the number of calories the body is burning with relation to the consumption, it provides helpful insight about which directions of diet to follow. After getting an estimation of the BMR, the number of calories to be needed by the individual is to be calculated, based on their lifestyle and work, such as:
- Sedentary – Negligible exercises, multiply BMR by 1.2
- Lightly active – Light exercises, 1 to 3 days per week, multiply B, R by 1.375
- Moderately active – Noticeable exercises, 3 to 5 days per week, multiply BMR by 1.55
- Very active – Hard exercises, 6 to 7 days every week, multiply BMR by 1.725
- Extra active – Very hard exercises or physical jobs, multiply BMR by 1.9
Since sex, weight, height, age, ethnicity, body composition and genetic factors can affect BMR, it is always a good plan to keep a record of the weight history for reference.
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