What is BMR?

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the amount of energy spent by the body at rest to maintain basic metabolic functions. Examples of these functions are: heart rate, digestion, respiration and maintaining body temperature. This constant work makes up about 60-70% of the calories you expend.

Why is BMR so important?

BMR is the largest factor determining your general metabolic rate. Knowing your BMR value enables you to count your total daily energy requirement and tells you how many calories you need to maintain, gain or lose weight.

Factors determining BMR

BMR is determined by genetic and environmental factors, such as: 

• genes – they control the speed of metabolism
• gender - men have a higher basal metabolic rate.
• age - BMR drops approximately 2% per decade.
• weight - the heavier you are, the higher your BMR is
• body surface area - is a manifestation of height and weight
• body fat percentage - the heavier you are, the lower your BMR is
• diet – digestion is one of the most important factors of BMR
• body temperature - rise of 1˚C of the body temperature increases BMR about 14%
• external temperature – the lower the temperature, the higher the BMR
• endocrine system - thyroid hormones speed up the metabolic activity of the body
• exercise – raises your BMR by building muscular tissue

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