BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate. It represents the amount of energy, measured in calories, that the body requires at rest to maintain basic physiological functions. BMR specifically measures the energy expended by the body under strict and standardized conditions, including waking up after a night's sleep and being in a fasting state.
Key points about Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR):
Caloric Expenditure:
- BMR accounts for the energy the body needs to support essential functions such as maintaining body temperature, breathing, circulating blood, and other metabolic processes when at complete rest.
Caloric Surplus:
- Definition: Consuming more calories than your body needs for maintenance.
- Outcome: Can lead to weight gain, as excess calories are stored as fat.
Caloric Deficit:
- Definition: Consuming fewer calories than your body needs for maintenance.
- Outcome: Can lead to weight loss, as the body taps into stored fat for energy.