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What is Resting Metabolic Rate?
Your
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
is the
number of calories your body burns each day at rest and accounts for
roughly 60-80% of the total calories your body burns.
Why should I get my metabolic rate tested?
As
stated above, the
key to successful weight management whether you are trying to lose,
gain, or maintain, is to establish a specific balance of energy
(calories) in vs. energy out. If you don't know how much energy your
body burns (energy out), how do you know how much food you should
be consuming (energy in)?
Because metabolism is
different among individuals, estimating can lead to errors and
inaccurate calorie budgets. As a result of these estimates, individuals
can be over- or under-eating, and not be successful in reaching their
personal goals.
Consuming an
excess of just 100 calories a day will result in a 10 pound weight gain
over one year's time. Why guess when it comes to your health?
How long does the Metabolic Assessment take?
Testing your
resting metabolic rate takes about 10 minutes. The entire assessment
will take about 45 minutes.
What will the results of my assessment show me?
The printout
you will receive displays your RMR, your recommended daily caloric
intake as well as how much protein, carbohydrate, and fat you should be
consuming based on your health and fitness goals, the number of calories
you burn during your workouts, and much more. You can view a
sample Metabolic Profile
here.
I'm about the same size as my friend, can't I just eat like her?
Unfortunately, eating
like your friend may not elicit the two of you similar results. Two
people of the same height, weight, age and gender can eat the exact same
thing, but because their metabolic rates are different, it is possible
for one to lose weight and the other to gain weight. This is why
many "cookie cutter" fad diets are unsuccessful.
How will knowing my RMR help me reach my goals?
Knowing
how many calories your body burns at rest (RMR) allows you to establish
a healthy energy 'budget', so that you don't run the risk of over-eating
or under-eating. The key to successful weight management whether you are
trying to lose, gain, or maintain, is to establish a specific balance of
energy (calories) in vs. energy out. If you don't know how much energy
your body burns (energy out), how do you know how much food you
should be consuming (energy in)? The Metabolic Assessment answers
these questions specific to your metabolic rate, lifestyle, and goals.
What about formulas that estimate metabolic rate?
Unfortunately, most of the currently established formulas for estimating
metabolic rate can be off by as much as 30%. One of the most commonly
used formulas to calculate daily caloric needs is the Harris-Benedict
equation, which was introduced almost 100 years ago. With recent
advances in science, more and more people are turning away from these
inaccurate formulas and relying on more scientific and more accurate
methods of measurement.
Because
metabolism is different among individuals, estimating can lead to
errors, inaccurate calorie budgets, and unwanted weight gain.
Who can benefit from getting their metabolic rate tested?
Well, just
about anyone. People trying to lose weight can maximize their results
and ensure that the weight they are losing is predominantly fat.
Athletes trying to improve their performance or increase muscle mass can
benefit by establishing the right positive caloric balance to promote
lean muscle gain. And anyone in between who would like to maintain their
weight and partake in a healthy lifestyle will make managing their
weight easier by knowing how much and what types of foods to eat.
Should I get my metabolic rate re-tested?
Once you start
making lifestyle changes, or as environmental changes occur around you
(stress from work, temperature changes, etc), your metabolic rate is
subject to change. Getting your metabolic rate re-tested regularly is a
good idea, particularly in the early stages of weight loss. Structural
Fitness recommends getting your resting metabolic rate tested every 3-4
months.
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