Metabolic Rate Asessment
As you know, the key to successful weight loss is to burn more calories than you eat. One of the most fundamental and difficult questions is, how many calories do I burn.
Having your metabolism checked is as easy as 1-2-3!
1…RELAX. We measure resting metabolic rate. It is important that you be able to reach a resting state during your test. You should avoid activities such as exercise or stressful situations that will prevent you from relaxing for at least two hours prior to your test. Digesting a large meal, as well as taking stimulants, such as caffeine, can raise your metabolic rate and should also be avoided prior to your test.
2…GET HOOKED UP. You will be able to sit or lie comfortably while being tested. The technician will then place a space helmet over your head. This PLastic bubble is connected to the metabolic machine by a hose that will measure how much oxygen and Carbon dioxide you are breathing in and out.
3…BREATHE. Finally, you just sit back and breathe. This takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes. The more relaxed and even your breathing, the quicker it will be able to determine your resting metabolic rate.
IT IS JUST THAT EASY!! In just 15 minutes, your doctor can know precisely how many calories your body is burning. Your diet can then be tailored to maintain the right caloric balance. Proper nutritional assessment by BMI can put you back on the road to better health!
Metabolic Rate Measurements
Metabolic rate, or metabolism, is the rate at which the body expends energy. This is also referred to as the “caloric burn rate”. Knowing metabolic rate is vital for weight loss as well as for determining the proper feeding amounts needed to treat various disease states.
Energy expenditure can be divided into three groups of calories.
Resting Calories – Calories that are burned while the body is at rest. These calories are needed just to maintain life. The majority of all calories burned (about 70-80%) are burned at the resting level.
Activity Calories – Calories that are burned because of normal daily activities are “Activity Calories”. Normal daily activities such as walking, eating (digesting food), typing, etc. are included in activity calories.
Exercise Calories – These calories are burned because of exercise.
The sum of all of these groups of calories is the total metabolic rate.
Energy Balance
The body gains or loses fat based on energy balance. Energy balance refers to the relationship between energy intake (eating) and energy expenditure (metabolic rate). The figures below describe the three states of energy balance.
Normal Energy Balance: Consumption and expenditure in balance, no weight gain or loss
Negative Energy Balance: Expenditure is greater than consumption (caloric deficit), causes weight loss.
Positive Energy Balance: Consumption exceeds expenditure (caloric surplus), leading to weight gain.
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