Resting Metabolic Rate
The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the number of calories your body burns while at complete rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing, blood circulation, and organ function.
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Having an accurate understanding of your RMR is particularly important, as it serves as the foundation for determining your total daily caloric needs and can help you properly adjust your diet and exercise
Calculation or Measurement
RMR can either be estimated or measured with absolute accuracy. When estimated, there may be a deviation from reality.
However, by measuring your RMR, you gain precise data, ensuring the results you want without the need for trial and error.
Calculations
with Formulas
​The standard equations (Harris-Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor) estimate RMR based on gender, weight, height, and age. However, they do not take into account muscle mass, physical fitness, and individual metabolic differences, which can significantly affect actual energy expenditure.
Body Fat Scales: Calculations with formulas
Most body composition analyzers and scales, after inputting data such as gender, height, etc., apply the standard equations mentioned earlier. As soon as they do the calculations, displays the estimated RMR values on their screens, rather than actual measured values.
Measurement Using the Indirect Calorimetry Method (i.cal.)
With the scientific method of Indirect Calorimetry (i.cal.), the gases produced by your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) are measured, providing an accurate calculation of the exact calories your body needs.
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By applying this method, we can even accurately determine whether the calories our body burns come from Carbohydrates, Proteins, or Fats!