BMR Calculator
Loading...
About BMR Calculator
The Journey of BMR Research
The concept of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) emerged from groundbreaking research in human metabolism during the early 20th century. J. Arthur Harris and Francis G. Benedict at the Carnegie Institution of Washington conducted pioneering studies in 1918-1919, establishing the first reliable formula for predicting BMR.
Their research involved measuring the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production of subjects under strictly controlled conditions, leading to the development of the Harris-Benedict equation, which remained the standard for over 70 years.
Key Historical Developments:
- 1919: Original Harris-Benedict equation published
- 1984: Revised Harris-Benedict equation
- 1990: Mifflin-St Jeor equation introduced
- 2000s: Integration with digital health technology
- Present: AI and machine learning applications
Understanding BMR: The Science
Basal Metabolic Rate represents the minimum energy required to maintain vital body functions while at complete rest. This includes breathing, blood circulation, cell growth, and basic neurological functions.
The Evolution of BMR Equations
Original Harris-Benedict (1919):
Men: BMR = 66.47 + (13.75×W) + (5.003×H) - (6.755×A)
Women: BMR = 655.1 + (9.563×W) + (1.85×H) - (4.676×A)
Mifflin-St Jeor (1990):
Men: BMR = (10×W) + (6.25×H) - (5×A) + 5
Women: BMR = (10×W) + (6.25×H) - (5×A) - 161
Activity Levels and Energy Expenditure
Activity Multipliers:
- Sedentary (1.2):
Little or no exercise, desk job
- Slightly Active (1.375):
Light exercise 1-3 days/week
- Moderately Active (1.55):
Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
- Very Active (1.725):
Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
- Extra Active (1.9):
Very hard exercise & physical job or training twice per day
Daily Energy Distribution:
- BMR: 60-75%
Basic life functions
- Physical Activity: 15-30%
Exercise and daily movement
- TEF: 10%
Thermic effect of food
- NEAT: 10-15%
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis
Factors Affecting BMR
Physical Factors
- •Age:
Decreases by 1-2% per decade after 20
- •Gender:
Men typically have 5-10% higher BMR than women
- •Body Composition:
More muscle mass increases BMR
Other Influences
- •Temperature:
Extreme temperatures can increase BMR
- •Hormones:
Thyroid, growth hormone affect BMR
- •Diet:
Fasting and malnutrition lower BMR
Modern Applications and Technology
Clinical Uses
- Nutrition planning in hospitals
- Weight management programs
- Sports performance optimization
- Metabolic disorder diagnosis
- Critical care energy requirements
New Technologies
- Smart fitness trackers
- Mobile BMR calculators
- AI-powered metabolic analysis
- Continuous glucose monitoring
- Remote patient monitoring
Tell us more, and we'll get back to you.
Contact Us