1. What is BMR?

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) 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 (breathing, circulation, cell production, etc.).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation accounts for the fact that men typically have more muscle mass and therefore higher metabolic rates than women of the same weight.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps determine your daily calorie needs for weight maintenance, loss, or gain. It's the foundation for calculating your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this BMR calculation?
A: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is about 90% accurate for most people. For very muscular or obese individuals, body composition testing may provide more accurate results.

Q2: Does BMR change over time?
A: Yes, BMR decreases with age (about 1-2% per decade after age 20) and changes with body composition alterations.

Q3: 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.

Q4: What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
A: BMR is calories burned at complete rest. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) includes all daily activities and is typically 1.2-2.5 times BMR.

Q5: Should I eat below my BMR to lose weight?
A: Not recommended long-term. Eating slightly above BMR but below TDEE is healthier for sustainable weight loss.