Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the amount of energy that your body requires to maintain its basic physiological functions while at rest. It is the minimum amount of energy that your body needs to sustain life and is the basis for determining the number of calories you need to consume each day.
BMR is influenced by several factors including age, gender, weight, height, and muscle mass. Men typically have a higher BMR than women due to their greater muscle mass. As you age, your BMR decreases because of a loss of muscle mass and a decrease in hormones.
BMR is measured in units of calories per day and is used to determine the minimum amount of energy needed to sustain life. BMR is usually measured early in the morning, before eating or engaging in any physical activity, when the body is in a state of complete rest.
To maintain weight, you need to consume the same number of calories as you expend each day, including your BMR. To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you expend, and to gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you expend. Understanding your BMR and daily caloric needs is an important part of creating a successful nutrition and exercise plan.