What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

"Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the rate at which a person uses energy just to remain alive to carry on the basic vital functions of breathing, circulation and metabolism. The rate of metabolism is regulated by the thyroid gland and the BMR was formerly much used to diagnose disorders of that gland. In theory, the BMR can be measured by measuring the amount of heat produced by the body when completely at rest. In practice, the BMR is determined by measuring how much oxygen a person at rest uses in short period of time during which he breathes an accurately measured amount of oxygen. (The amount of oxygen used is an indirect measure of the heat produced). The results of a BMR test can be influenced by a number of other things: pregnancy, diabetes, various medicines, the presence of food in the stomach, and even emotions such as anxiety during the test. Other tests that are easier to perform and just as reliable have largely replaced the BMR as a test of thyroid function." (ref: Dr. Benjamin F. Miller)