How to Calculate BMR Rate

Basal metabolic rate, also known as BMR, is calculated while an individual is awake, about 12 hours after his or her last meal. The individual must be completely at rest. The purpose of a BMR calculation is to determine the required amount of energy to control an individual's vital organs. These organs include the heart, sex organs, muscles, skin, nervous system, kidneys, liver and lungs. Although BMR decreases with age, building muscle mass will cause it to increase. Scientists have produced a formula, known as the Harris-Benedict formula, to calculate BMR by comparing age, weight, height and sex in individuals.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the individual's weight in pounds, height in inches, age in years and sex.

• 2

  Use this calculation to determine BMR for women: 66 + (4.35 x weight) + (4.7 x height) - (4.7 x age) = BMR

• 3

  Use this calculation to determine BMR for men: (6.23 x weight) + (12.7 x height) - (6.8 x age) = BMR

• 4

  Use the BMR to calculate TDEE. TDEE is the total number of calories burned off by your body in a 24-hour period.

  • Little or no daily exercise = BMR x 1.2

  • Light daily exercise = BMR x 1.375

  • Moderate daily exercise = BMR x 1.55

  • Hard daily exercise = BMR x 1.75

  • Extreme daily exercise = BMR x 1.9

• 5

  Determine weight goals. If the individual is attempting to lose weight, reduce the amount of calorie intake calculated by TDEE. To gain weight, increase the amount of calorie intake calculated by TDEE. Reducing and increasing values should be no more or less than 15 to 20% of the required calorie intake.