What is Basal Metabolic Rate?

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the minimum amount of energy your body needs to maintain its vital functions while at rest, such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. This energy is used by the body for processes like digestion, cell production, and repair. It is commonly expressed in calories per day.

Examples of Basal Metabolic Rate

For instance, a person whose BMR is 1500 calories will burn 1500 calories per day doing nothing to retain normal body functions. The amount of calories each person burns in their day-to-day activities, above and beyond BMR, is what contributes to weight gain or loss.

Synonyms and Antonyms of Basal Metabolic Rate

A synonym for basal metabolic rate is resting metabolic rate (RMR), which refers to the amount of energy your body needs to maintain its vital functions while resting but after a few hours of not eating. There is not a direct antonym of basal metabolic rate.

Related Terms of Basal Metabolic Rate

• Body composition
• Energy balance
• Thermogenesis

Importance of Basal Metabolic Rate for Fitness and Wellness

Basal metabolic rate plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight. Understanding your BMR allows you to estimate the number of calories needed per day to maintain or reduce your body weight. Eating fewer than the amount of calories your body needs can lead to weight loss, but it's important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to optimize your BMR.