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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Energy Balance and Body Weight

Basal metabolic rate

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

nounCommon term

In nutrition & dietetics, basal metabolic rate means: The amount of energy the body uses at complete rest to keep basic functions such as breathing, circulation and cell repair going. It is usually the largest part of daily energy use.

In Turkish: bazal metabolizma hızı, BMH

How it is used

Abbreviated BMR. Dietitians estimate it with equations such as Mifflin-St Jeor or Harris-Benedict, then multiply by an activity factor to estimate total energy needs. In practice, resting metabolic rate (RMR) is measured more often because it needs less strict conditions.

Example sentences

  1. We estimated her basal metabolic rate with the Mifflin-St Jeor equation.

  2. Muscle mass, age and sex all affect basal metabolic rate.

Common collocations

  • estimate basal metabolic rate
  • resting metabolic rate
  • total energy expenditure
  • activity factor
  • energy balanceThe relationship between the energy a person takes in from food and drink and the energy the body uses. When the two are equal, body weight tends to stay stable.
  • metabolismAll the chemical processes in the body that turn food into energy and into the materials cells need, and that break down and remove waste.
  • lean body massThe weight of everything in the body except stored fat, including muscle, bone, organs and water. It is closely linked to strength and energy needs.
  • calorieA unit for measuring the energy that food and drink provide and the body uses. On food labels and in nutrition, 'calorie' usually means a kilocalorie (kcal).

More terms: Energy Balance and Body Weight

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.