Your BMR is responsible for approximately 60 to 70% of the total number of calories you burn in a day. That's a lot of calories burned without doing any exercises.
This calorie expenditure is used for basic body functions. These functions include digesting, breathing, pumping blood and maintaining body temperature.
Basically, your Basal Metabolic Rate is the amount of calories used to sustain life.
Why is understanding your metabolic rate and understanding the definition important for weight loss? In order to lose weight, you must create a calorie deficit. Meaning you must consume fewer calories than you burn.
Many people make the mistake of going on a “crash” diet in hopes of a quick weight loss. The problem is that if a person reduces their calorie intake by too much, the body reacts by going into survival mode, slowing down your metabolism and lowering your BMR.
What happens when you lose weight fast is that you are also likely losing muscle. This then lowers your lean body mass and in turn lowers your BMR.
A general rule is to never go below 1200 calories/day for women or 1800 calories/day for men, which are extremely low calorie levels.
One thing you are in control of, and can have a positive effect on your metabolic rate, is your activity level.
By adding exercise to your weekly routine, you are not only burning additional calories, which will help create that calorie deficit for weight loss, but you are increasing lean body mass. And since muscles burn more calories than fat, you are increasing your basal metabolic rate.
Be sure to read these other benefits to exercise. Check out this free online Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator to see what calories you need to consume to lose weight.
BMI
Calculator
Use this free online tool to determine your Body Mass Index. This index is used as a tool to determine potential weight concerns in
people. It can help doctors and individuals determine if they need to gain or
lose weight.
Boost
Metabolism Naturally
Rev up your metabolism and burn more calories naturally.These tips will help you increase the number of calories you burn
helping you reach your weight loss goals.
Weight
Loss Chart
Download this spreadsheet to help you track your weight loss. You can track calories consumed, exercise calories and more.