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Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator
This calculator will calculate your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and your AMR (Active Metabolic Rate). Your BMR, or basal metabolic rate (metabolism), is the energy (measured in calories) expended by the body at rest to maintain normal bodily functions. This continual work makes up about 60-70% of the calories we use ("burn" or expend) and includes the beating of our heart, respiration, and the maintenance of body temperature. Your BMR is influenced by a number of factors, including age, weight, height, gender, environmental temperature, diet, and exercise habits.
Because of the increased activity of cells undergoing division, the younger the person, the higher (faster) the metabolism. And the taller and heavier a person is, the faster their metabolism. The good news is that when you are heavier you burn more calories, and thus it is easier to lose weight -- however, one reason weight loss becomes more difficult as you lose weight is your BMR decreases. Because of the greater percentage of lean muscle tissue in the male body, men generally have a 10-15% faster BMR than women - so it is generally faster for men to lose weight. And when you go on restrictive, traditional diets, your BMR can drop, and that makes it important to increase activity levels during that time. In general, depending on the intensity and duration, consistent exercise can also increase your BMR.
To lose 1 pound per week means that you have to consume 500 less calories daily than you burn. To lose two pounds per week you have to consume 1000 less calories daily than you burn. Beyond this amount of weight loss you can develop loss of muscle mass, which makes you feel tired and is not a healthy way to lose weight. |
