Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the amount of energy expended while at rest. The release of energy in this state is sufficient only for the functioning of the vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, brain and the rest of the nervous system, liver, kidneys, sex organs, muscles and skin. RMR decreases with age and with the loss of lean body mass. Increased muscle mass and cardiovascular exercise can increase RMR. Illness, previously consumed food and beverages, environmental temperature, and stress levels can affect one's overall energy expenditure, and can affect one's RMR as revealed by gas analysis.
RMR is measured by gas analysis through either direct or indirect calorimetry, though a rough estimation can be acquired through an equation using age, sex, height, and weight. Studies of energy metabolism using both methods provide convincing evidence for the validity of the respiratory quotient, which measures the inherent composition and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins as they are converted to energy substrate units that can be used by the body as energy.
Why you need to know your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): When you cut calories BELOW your RMR, your body fights back. Restricting calories below your RMR is like asking your car's engine to run on too little gas. If your car is sitting in the driveway with the engine on, it is burning gas as it sits there. If you put the car in drive and step on the gas, it burns gas at a faster rate. What happens if you cut off the supply of gas to your engine? It sputters and eventually stalls. The same is true for your metabolism.
Many individuals restrict their caloric intake too severely when trying to shed unwanted fat pounds. This will cause an adverse affect, the metabolism slows down and the body goes into energy conservation mode, also known as starvation mode. . This is why we so often see individuals not losing fat weight while they are consuming a low calorie diet. The price of following this type of regimen is eventual weight gain in is often the case more weight than when you started the diet.
