BMR:Basal Metabolic Rate

Definition: It is the energy expended by an individual in basal condition.

Basal condition is characterized by:

1.      12 hours fasting

2.      Overnight sound sleep

3.      Complete mental and physical rest

4.      Comfortable environmental temperature and pressure

5.      Awake

Normal BMR:

·        30 – 35 Kcal/Kg/day

·        2000 Kcal/day in adult male

·        1600 Kcal/day in adult female

Factors affecting BMR:

1.      Age: BMR is higher in young age than old age

2.      Sex: BMR higher in male than female

3.      Body size and body weight: BMR increases with increasing height body weight and body surface area.

4.      Life style: BMR more in physically active individuals

5.      Endocrine effect: thyroid hormone, catecholamine and growth hormone increase BMR

6.      Climate: BMR increases in cold climate

7.      Nutritional state: BMR decreases in starvation

8.      Disease state: BMR increases in fever, infection, burn

9.      Genetic and racial factor.

Importance of BMR:

·        Calculation of energy requirement of an individual

Dietary planning of an individual