1. What is BMR?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs at complete rest to maintain basic physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production. It accounts for about 60-70% of total daily energy expenditure.

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 estimates the calories needed to maintain basic bodily functions without any additional activity.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps in creating personalized diet plans for weight loss, maintenance, or gain. It serves as the foundation for calculating total daily energy needs when combined with activity level.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, and age in years. For accurate results, measure weight in the morning after using the bathroom and before eating.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does BMR differ for men and women?
A: Women generally have lower BMR than men due to typically higher body fat percentage and lower muscle mass.

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

Q3: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes (5+ kg) or every 6 months as metabolism changes with age.

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

Q5: How can I increase my BMR?
A: Building muscle through strength training is the most effective way to increase BMR as muscle burns more calories at rest than fat.