When we talk about metabolism and metabolic rate the first thing that comes to mind is energy. We all know people who have “slower” (gain weight easy) and others who have “fast” (can almost eat whatever they want without gaining) metabolisms.
But how do you measure this? Is there a numeric scale?
The answer to what your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is comes down to how many calories you need to survive to maintain your weight.
And yes once you attain that number you then apply your activity level and then that changes your calorie needs to what you require.
Up until recently in order to get an accurate number you would spend time in an atmospheric controlled chamber known as a calorimeter. The amount of heat that you produced at rest would then be measured. Problem is this chamber was quite expensive. So it was very difficult to find one.
Technology is a wonderful thing. Recently, a hand held device has come on the market. This device is called a MetaCheck and it can calculate your RMR in about 10 minutes. You breathe into its mouthpiece where lung gases are collected and their oxygen content analyzed. Formulas are applied and your answer is given in calorie requirements.
So why is Resting Metabolism so important? Don’t we speed it up through exercise?
Our metabolism absolutely increases while we are active. But we don’t spend the bulk of hour 24 hour day exercising. Most people burn 70 to 80% of their calories at rest.
So how does this apply to weight loss?
Sometimes weight loss plateaus occur because excessive calorie restriction causes your metabolism to slow down to conserve energy. When you know your RMR then your diet can be adjusted so that the maximal amount of calories can be taken in without risking weight gain.
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