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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Basal Metabolic Rate is the amount of energy your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.
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Basal Metabolic Rate is the amount of energy your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest.
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The majority of your daily energy expenditure (around 60-75%) comes from BMR. It's the energy required for vital functions like breathing, circulating blood, and cell production.
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Factors affecting BMR include age, gender, body composition, and genetics. Younger people and those with more lean muscle mass tend to have higher BMR.
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Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat. Building and maintaining muscle through regular exercise can boost your BMR, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.
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BMR typically decreases with age, mainly due to a decrease in muscle mass. Regular exercise and a balanced diet become crucial in maintaining a healthy BMR as you age.
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Men generally have a higher BMR than women. This is partly due to men having more muscle mass and a lower percentage of body fat.
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Understanding your BMR is essential for effective weight management. If you consume fewer calories than your BMR, you may lose weight, and if you consume more, you may gain weight.
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Various formulas, like the Harris-Benedict equation, help estimate BMR. Factors such as weight, height, age, and gender are taken into account for accurate calculations.
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Knowing your BMR can guide personalized nutrition and exercise plans, optimizing your efforts for weight management and overall health.
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Basal Metabolic Rate is the cornerstone of understanding your body's energy needs. By appreciating its influence and making informed choices, you can unlock the path to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
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