Metabolic Rate
Also known as: BMR, Basal Metabolic Rate, Resting Metabolism
The rate at which your body burns calories at rest to maintain basic life functions.
FULL EXPLANATION
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) represents the calories your body burns at complete rest to maintain vital functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production. It typically accounts for 60-75% of total daily energy expenditure.
BMR is influenced by factors including muscle mass, age, sex, genetics, and hormones. People with more muscle mass have higher BMRs because muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue.
WHY IT MATTERS
Understanding your metabolic rate helps with weight management and nutrition planning. Maintaining healthy metabolic rate supports longevity, energy levels, and body composition.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Support healthy metabolic rate by building and maintaining muscle mass through resistance training, eating adequate protein, staying active, and avoiding severe caloric restriction.
NORMAL RANGES
Average BMR is approximately 1400-1800 calories/day for women and 1600-2000 calories/day for men. Actual values vary significantly based on body composition and other factors.
RELATED TERMS
Training Volume
The total amount of work performed in training, typically calculated as sets x reps x weight.
Macronutrients
The three main nutrients that provide energy: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Thyroid Hormones
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, energy, body temperature, and growth.
Insulin Sensitivity
How effectively your cells respond to insulin to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
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