Introduction

BMR, or basal metabolic rate (metabolism), is the energy (measured in calories) expended by the body at rest to maintain normal bodily functions. Another term used is the resting energy expenditure (REE), which may also include energy used in digesting food.
This continual work makes up about 60-70% of the calories we use(burn) and includes the beating of our heart, breathing, and the maintenance of body temperature. Generally, it is inadvisable to ingest fewer calories than your basal metabolic rate.

The BMR result is an estimate of the calories you burn at rest and does not include your regular daily activity like moving about or walking .

Factors affecting BMR:
BMR is influenced by a number of factors, including age, weight, height, gender, environmental temperature, dieting and exercise habits.

  • Because of the increased activity of cells undergoing division, the younger the person, the higher (faster) the metabolism. And the taller and heavier a person is, the faster their met abolism.
  • Men generally have a 10-15% faster BMR than women because of the greater percentage of lean muscle tissue in the male body.
  • Restrictive,traditional diets, low calorie dieting can also cause your BMR to drop by as much as 20%.
  • Athletes have higher BMRs than sedentary people.
  • People living in tropical or very cold environments generally have BMR's 5-20% higher than those living in more temperate climates.
  • In general, depending on the intensity and duration, consistent exercise can also increase your BMR.
  • The BMR result is an estimate of the calories you burn at rest and does not include your regular daily activity like moving about or walking. Estimates of the BMR provided here are only approximate as the BMR should be calculated at rest in a controlled environment.

Formula

The basal metabolic rate is calculated according to equations given by the Harris-Benedict equation for BMR :


Women:

BMR = 655 + ( 9.6 x weight in kilos ) + ( 1.8 x height in cm ) - ( 4.7 x age in years )

Men:

BMR = 66 + ( 13.7 x weight in kilos ) + ( 5 x height in cm ) - ( 6.8 x age in years )

 

Calculate BMR

BMR Calculator

Height

cms
Weight
kgs
Age
yrs
Your BMR (Male)
Your BMR (Female)

Note that BMR is given in kcals/day.

Disclaimer :
Kimaya Health Calculators are designed to provide you the general information and guidance regarding health topics. Do not consider these as a replacement to your regular medical check ups. You should consult your physician or other health care professional before making any decision based upon the general information presented here.