Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest, such as breathing, circulation, and cell production. Knowing your BMR can help in managing your weight, planning diets, and tailoring exercise programs.

Key Factors Influencing BMR

• Age: BMR decreases with age.
• Sex: Males typically have a higher BMR due to greater muscle mass.
• Body Composition: More muscle mass means a higher BMR.
• Genetics: Genetic factors can significantly influence BMR.

Calculating BMR

There are several formulas to estimate BMR, with the Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St Jeor equations being the most commonly used.

Harris-Benedict Equation (Revised):

• Men: BMR = 88.362 + (13.397 × weight in kg) + (4.799 × height in cm) - (5.677 × age in years)
• Women: BMR = 447.593 + (9.247 × weight in kg) + (3.098 × height in cm) - (4.330 × age in years)

Mifflin-St Jeor Equation:

• Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) + 5
• Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) - (5 × age in years) - 161

Why BMR Matters

• Weight Management: Helps determine calorie intake needed for weight maintenance, loss, or gain.
• Diet Planning: Assists in creating meal plans that match energy requirements.
• Exercise Programs: Enables the design of fitness routines aligned with metabolic needs.

Conclusion

Understanding your BMR is essential for effective weight management and overall health. By using the Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor formulas, you can estimate your BMR and make informed decisions about your diet and exercise regime. Our Calculator uses Mifflin-St Jeor Equation is considered the most accurate equation for calculating BMR.