What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic, life-sustaining functions while at rest. These functions include breathing, circulating blood, regulating body temperature, and cell production. Your BMR accounts for the largest portion of your daily calorie expenditure.
Understanding your BMR is a crucial first step in managing your weight and overall health. It helps you determine a baseline for calorie intake to either maintain, lose, or gain weight effectively. Factors that influence BMR include age, sex, weight, height, and body composition (muscle mass vs. fat mass). Generally, individuals with more muscle mass have a higher BMR.
How is BMR Calculated?
There are several formulas to estimate BMR. The most commonly used ones are the Harris-Benedict equation (revised) and the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is generally considered more accurate for most individuals.
Mifflin-St Jeor Equation:
- For Men: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) – (5 × age in years) + 5
- For Women: BMR = (10 × weight in kg) + (6.25 × height in cm) – (5 × age in years) – 161
Harris-Benedict Equation (Revised):
- For Men: BMR = (13.397 × weight in kg) + (4.799 × height in cm) – (5.677 × age in years) + 88.362
- For Women: BMR = (9.247 × weight in kg) + (3.098 × height in cm) – (4.330 × age in years) + 447.593
This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, as it's widely regarded as more accurate.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculator
Male FemaleYour Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is: calories per day.