BMR Equation:
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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.
The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation accounts for the fact that men typically have more muscle mass than women, which affects their basal metabolic rate.
Details: Knowing your BMR helps determine your daily caloric needs for weight maintenance, loss, or gain. To lose weight, you generally need to consume fewer calories than your BMR plus activity calories.
Tips: For most accurate results, measure your weight and height precisely. Use morning measurements before eating for most consistent weight values.
Q1: How accurate is this BMR calculation?
A: The Mifflin-St Jeor Equation is about 90% accurate for most people, though individual variations in muscle mass and body composition can affect actual BMR.
Q2: What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
A: BMR is calories burned at complete rest, while Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) includes all daily activities and exercise.
Q3: How can I use BMR for weight loss?
A: Create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than your TDEE (BMR + activity). A 500 kcal/day deficit typically leads to about 0.5kg weight loss per week.
Q4: Does muscle mass affect BMR?
A: Yes, muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. People with more muscle mass typically have higher BMRs.
Q5: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes (5+ kg) or every 3-6 months as part of health monitoring.