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 females:

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 that females generally have lower BMR than males of similar size.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps in creating effective weight management plans, whether for weight loss, gain, or maintenance. It serves as the foundation for calculating your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For accurate results, measure your weight and height precisely. Enter weight in kg, height in cm, and age in years. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does BMR differ for males and females?
A: The female equation subtracts 161 calories to account for typically lower muscle mass and metabolic rates in women compared to men of similar size.

Q2: What factors affect BMR?
A: Muscle mass, body size, age, genetics, hormonal status, and environmental temperature can all influence BMR.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ kg) or annually as you age.

Q4: Does pregnancy affect BMR?
A: Yes, BMR increases during pregnancy, especially in later trimesters. This calculator is for non-pregnant females.

Q5: How can I increase my BMR?
A: Building muscle through strength training can increase BMR, as muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue.