What is BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)?

BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate, and it’s the amount of energy (calories) your body needs to perform basic functions like breathing, digesting food, and keeping your heart beating when you're at rest. In other words, it's the number of calories your body burns just to keep you alive, without doing anything extra like exercising or moving around.

Knowing your BMR can help you understand how many calories you need to maintain your weight. If you're looking to lose or gain weight, knowing your BMR is a great starting point, as it gives you a baseline of how many calories your body uses naturally every day.

How is BMR Calculated?

BMR is calculated using a simple formula that takes into account three things: your weight, height, and age. The formula used in our calculator is:

BMR = (10 × Weight) + (6.25 × Height) - (5 × Age) + 5

Here's what each part of the formula means:

Once you enter these details into the calculator, it will tell you your BMR—the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions.

Why is BMR Important?

Your BMR helps you understand how many calories you burn at rest. If you know your BMR, you can better plan your diet and exercise routine. For example:

It’s an important tool for anyone who wants to understand their metabolism and manage their weight effectively!

5 FAQs for Better Understanding

1. What does BMR tell me about my metabolism?

Your BMR gives you a snapshot of your metabolism—the rate at which your body burns calories at rest. It’s not about how fast or slow you lose weight, but it helps you understand your body’s natural energy needs.

2. How can I use my BMR to lose or gain weight?

Once you know your BMR, you can adjust your calorie intake accordingly. To lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than your BMR and activity level burns. To gain weight, you need to eat more. A healthy diet and exercise plan tailored to your BMR will help you reach your goals.

3. Does my BMR change over time?

Yes, your BMR can change as you age, gain or lose weight, or change your activity level. As you get older, your BMR may decrease, meaning your body burns fewer calories at rest. This is normal and why it’s important to adjust your diet and exercise over time.

4. Does BMR account for exercise?

No, BMR is only for the calories your body burns at rest. If you want to account for the calories burned during exercise, you'll need to factor in your physical activity level, which is sometimes called TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure).

5. Can my BMR be too high or too low?

If your BMR is too low, it could mean your body isn’t burning enough calories to support basic functions, which could lead to fatigue or other health issues. If it’s too high, you might have a condition that increases metabolism, like hyperthyroidism. In either case, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor to understand what’s going on.