Tuesday, February 9, 2010

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)? And its importance (by Tanita.co.uk)

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories the body needs when at rest.

The speed of your metabolism is determined by many factors such as gender, age, muscle mass compared to body fat and the amount of physical activity undertaken on a regular basis.

In general, Male's rates are higher than females because of the testosterone hormone and their higher muscle level.

Male's rates are fairly consistent and tend to stabilise about age 50 when testosterone start levels drop slightly.

Women's rates increase during pregnancy and even higher when breast feeding, but drop when they go through menopause.


Why is monitoring the Basal Metabolic Rate important?

Understanding the Basal Metabolic Rate will allow a user to monitor the number of calories their body requires according to their physique and lifestyle.

The more muscle or general activity a person takes the more calories required - a diet and fitness program can be based on this information.

The Basal Metabolic Rate level also decreases as the body ages.

However the Basal Metabolic Rate will increase through a regular routine of cardiovascular exercise and increased activity.

Info Source:
http://www.tanita.co.uk/index.php?id=32



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