1. What is BMR?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest. It represents the minimum energy required to keep your body functioning, including breathing, circulation, and cell production.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for women:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( age \) — Age in years

Explanation: This equation accounts for the fact that metabolism typically decreases with age and is generally lower in women than in men.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps in weight management by determining your daily caloric needs. It serves as the foundation for calculating your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) when combined with your activity level.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, and age in years. For accurate results, measure your weight and height without clothes and shoes first thing in the morning.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does BMR differ for men and women?
A: Women typically have a 5-10% lower BMR than men of the same size due to differences in body composition (higher fat percentage and lower muscle mass).

Q2: What factors affect BMR?
A: Besides gender, age, weight, and height, BMR is influenced by body composition (muscle burns more calories than fat), genetics, hormones, and environmental temperature.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ kg), or at least once a year as you age.

Q4: Can I increase my BMR?
A: Yes, through strength training to build muscle, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and staying hydrated.

Q5: Is BMR the same as calories needed per day?
A: No, BMR is just the baseline. Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) includes BMR plus calories burned through activity and digestion.