When we talk about diets or nutrition, we refer mainly to foods, their properties, as well as the nutritional values they provide in the form of calories. But not all bodies assimilate food in the same way, which is why there are also other factors that we must take into account.

What is the basal metabolic rate?

Basal metabolic rate is the minimum amount of energy that a cell needs to survive. In the case of humans, we speak of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) as the minimum amount of energy that a person needs, at rest, to carry out those vital functions necessary for the proper functioning of the body, such as heartbeat, respiration or body temperature regulation.

It is therefore an indicator that is directly related to a person’s ability to lose weight. As is to be expected, it is not the same in all people, but varies from one person to another depending on factors such as age, weight, height or sex.

Thanks to the basal metabolic rate we can know with great accuracy the amount of calories our body demands to perform the most basic functions and with this data in hand be able to implement changes, both nutritionally and caloric expenditure, allowing us to regulate our weight according to our needs or interests.

How is it calculated?

The BMR is calculated based on the indirect calorimetry technique. This procedure takes as a reference the fact that burning 1 calorie requires approximately 208 milliliters of oxygen. Thus, by analyzing the amount of exhaled oxygen and the amount of carbon dioxide produced, we can know the total energy expenditure that a person needs to perform vital functions. This process is called the respiratory exchange rate.

Proper MBR analysis requires accurate measurement of expired air volume and oxygen concentrations in inspired and exhaled air. All exhaled air is collected and analyzed at rest for a period of 60 minutes using technologies equipped with sensors that measure oxygen concentration. Thanks to this analysis, we can know the difference between VO2 oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide.

How useful is it?

The correct calculation of the basal metabolic rate helps us to understand in more detail the efficiency of our metabolism and thus be able to apply the necessary changes or guidelines to achieve our goals.

Stabilizing weight loss

Regardless of the method used to lose weight, a patient’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) decreases below the levels predicted by fat-free mass after weight loss. Although its cause is unclear, in most cases if a patient manages to maintain his or her new weight for a period of 6 months, his or her BMR increases to the expected levels. In these cases, accurately identifying the number of calories needed to maintain is key to successfully overcoming this period.

Detection and diagnosis of hypo-metabolism.

In cases where a patient has a lower than normal metabolic rate, further diagnosis and treatment by a physician is required before successful weight loss can be achieved.

To evaluate the effects of treatment on metabolism.

Once calories are restricted or an exercise plan is implemented, the body will respond to the changes. It should be noted that the caloric targets of a diet/nutritional plan rarely succeed in sustaining a patient throughout the weight loss process. As a result, patients encounter the dreaded plateau.

Periodic assessment of BMR will show the effects of the nutritional plan and allow for adjustment of caloric targets throughout the course of the weight loss process.

Proper nutritional planning for athletes

In the case of amateur and professional athletes, knowing their basal metabolic rate will help them to correctly plan or optimize their nutritional plan. This should be in accordance with the training load, intensity and/or type of competition they are performing and thus favor the adaptation to training or competition to achieve a better progression.

In these cases it is important to know the actual energy consumption both at rest and during exercise.

Information and requirements for taking the test:

Arrive at the test fasting for 7 hours

It is possible to hydrate only with water during fasting

Test duration 60 minutes