How Do I Calculate My Body's Energy Use?

Your metabolism is the rate at which your body uses energy whether you are resting and relaxing or moving and performing various activities. Your body burns a certain amount of calories just to keep your heart, lungs, brain and other functions working even in rest. It is important to know your body's resting metabolic rate in order to increase, decrease or maintain your weight. You can calculate your body's energy usage, or your resting metabolic rate, by using the Mifflin-St. Jeor Equation.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Pencil
• Paper
• Measuring stick
• Measuring tape
• Weight scale

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure your height using a measuring stick or measuring tape. Take off your shoes, stand up tall with your back up against a wall and place a pencil mark at the top of your head. Measure from the floor to the pencil mark, twice for accuracy, and write your height down on a paper.

• 2

  Weigh yourself on a scale. Take off your shoes and clothing down to your underwear, step on the scale and wait for it to determine your weight. Weigh yourself twice for accuracy, then write down the final number on your paper.

• 3

  Use the Mifflin-St. Jeor Equation to estimate your RMR by entering your weight, height and age into the appropriate formula depending on your sex.

  Men: (10 x weight) + (6.25 x height) - (5 x age) + 5

  Women: (10 x weight) + (6.25 x height) - (5 x age) - 161

  Solve the equation using a calculator if necessary. The solution is your resting metabolic rate.