Any chemical process which occurs in the body is metabolism. It is beneficial to have a high metabolism for weight control because the higher it is, the more calories are burnt (which means that you burn more calories by just sitting around).

BMR: Basal Metabolic Rate refers to the lowest number of calories needed to sustain your body while at rest (but not sleeping), but EXCLUDES certain body functions such as digestion and certain muscle activities.
RMR: Resting Metabolic Rate refers to how many calories you burn while at rest (but not sleeping) and does NOT exclude the body functions as in BMR. Therefore, RMR is larger than BMR.

How to Calculate Metabolic Rate
Metabolic rate can be tested by medical professionals using the VO₂ Max test. VO₂ Max measures the amount of oxygen your body consumes by placing a face mask on the patient for a specified amount of time. If basal metabolic rate is being tested, the patient will have to fast for at least 12 hours and should avoid any straineous activities before the test. However, if resting metabolic rate is being tested, the patient should not fast and may sustain a normal level of activity.

You can estimate your own metabolic rate without taking the VO₂ Max test using any of the several equations for it. The most popular equation with which to estimate your basal metabolic rate is the Mifflin equation:

Males
BMR = 9.99 * body mass (kg) + 6.25 * height (cm) + 4.92 * age (yrs) + 5

Females
BMR = 9.99 * body mass (kg) + 6.25 * height (cm) + 4.92 * age (yrs) - 161

This will give you a BMR measure in Calories/day. Note that Calories is capital, meaning food calories or kilocalories.

Ken

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