The rate in which your body uses the energy stored in food, otherwise know as calories, is called your metabolism. The resting metabolism is the measure of calories needed for basic body function. Energy metabolism is the process by the body of breaking down the various nutrients and converting them into energy. While metabolism works the same way in all people, the rate at which it metabolizes nutrients changes from person to person.

What is Metabolic Rate?

Your Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR is the rate by which your body is burning calories while you are at rest. In order for you to get a general idea of how your BMR works, you should multiply your weight by the number 10. For example, should you weigh 150lbs, then your BMR is going to be right around 1,500. The actual formula, when written out properly, looks like this:

Basal Metabolic Rate = Weight x 10 kcal/lb = BMR kcals

In other words: BMR = 150 x 10 = 1500 kcals

This formula assumes that you are burning 10 calories for every lb of body weight that you have. What this means is that your metabolism is normally capable of using up approximately 1500 calories every day. If you are taking in more calories than that, then you are going to gin weight over time.

You are going to want to keep in mind that this is only a rough estimate, and there are a number of other contributing factors that it simply is not taking into account, even though there are contributing factors capable of influencing your metabolic rate such as the muscle mass in your body and how much you normally exercise.

If you are interested in receiving a true estimate about your BMR then you are going to want to consult with a registered dietitian or a qualified personal trainer, as they can take your measurements using a device that is similar in nature to a calculator that will help you estimate how many calories your body is burning every minute.

How the Body is Impacted by Metabolism

Someone that has a high metabolic rate is capable of burning calories much more efficiently in comparison to someone that has a slower metabolic rate. When you assume that these two people eat roughly similar numbers of calories, the person that has a faster metabolism is going to burn more of the consumed calories in comparison to the person that has a slower metabolism. There are a number of factors that are capable of contributing to your metabolism including the condition of your health and your age, and so your metabolism could actually be running slow by no fault of your own. If you believe that you may be dealing with metabolism issues preventing your weight loss, you should consult a family physician for more information about what you can do.

Photo Credits: Lady AnnDerground

Originally posted 2009-10-22 03:29:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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metabolism, Weight Loss Journal

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