Defining Basal Metabolism

There is a common misconception that physical exercise is the only way that the body burns up calories. Unless you are doing a physically intensive job or doing a one hour aerobics exercise class each day then you will not utilize the calories that you consume during the day. This is not true. The body uses much energy and burns through calories even when it is at rest. This is commonly known as the basal metabolism rate (BMR) – the rate at which calories are used whilst the body is at rest.

Basal metabolism is essentially the number of calories required to maintain ones weight and keep vital organs like the heart,lungs,liver and brain functioning. You could liken it to the energy used by a VCR when it is on standby. Basically when someone isn't active, like sleeping or watching TV. The BMR is closely associated with the Resting Metabolism rate (RMR). The BMR is a more restrictive measure as it requires that the nervous system is unstimulated.

The basal metabolic rate is the highest form of calorific expenditure during the day. It is thought that 70% of all calories are used to keep the body functioning. It is useful to know what the BMR is so that you can take more control of your weight. If you know your BMR and want to lose weight then you simply at enough calories to reach the BMR and then limit the amount of food that you eat. You would do the opposite if you wanted to gain weight. Reach the BMR and then ensure that you ate more food. If you wanted to maintain your weight you would try to consume the amount of calories that your BMR is measured at.

Of course there are other factors that come into this equation, specifically exercise. Exercise will help to burn more calories and lose weight. Although exercise is important for the overall health of the body, it is probably easier to maintain your weight by not consuming excess calories in the first place. This is where most people, especially in developed countries, where foods are high in calories, go wrong. People regularly consume too many calories than their BMR and daily energy expenditure needs. This leads to weight gain.

Thus understanding your basal metabolism is an important part of controlling your weight but remaining healthy at the same time. At the very least, knowing your basal metabolism calories level will give you a clearly defined parameter as to why you my be over or under weight. It will also give you a benchmark figure in terms of calories that you must aim for everyday.

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