1. What is the BMR NHS Equation?

The BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) NHS equation estimates the number of calories your body needs at complete rest to maintain basic physiological functions. It's based on the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation and is recommended by the UK National Health Service.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BMR NHS equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( gender\_factor \) — +5 for men, -161 for women

Explanation: The equation accounts for the energy needed to maintain basic body functions at rest, with different coefficients for different demographic factors.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps in weight management, determining daily calorie needs, and creating personalized diet plans. It's the foundation for calculating Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the NHS BMR equation?
A: The NHS-recommended equation (Mifflin-St Jeor) is currently considered the most accurate for calculating BMR in healthy individuals.

Q2: What are typical BMR values?
A: Average BMR ranges from 1200-2000 kcal/day for adults, but varies based on body composition, age, and gender.

Q3: How does BMR change with age?
A: BMR typically decreases by about 1-2% per decade after age 20 due to loss of muscle mass and metabolic changes.

Q4: Can I use BMR for weight loss?
A: Yes, knowing your BMR helps create a calorie deficit for weight loss, but should be combined with activity level for complete TDEE calculation.

Q5: Does muscle mass affect BMR?
A: Yes, muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so individuals with more muscle mass typically have higher BMR.