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Resting Metabolic Rate Testing

WHAT IS RESTING METABOLIC RATE (RMR)?

Resting metabolic rate, or RMR, is a measure of how much energy is required to maintain basic body functions while at rest.  An RMR test shows how many calories someone burns at rest in a day.  The test helps identify your individual metabolism and screens for abnormally fast or slow metabolic rates not identified by generic estimation formulas.  This test is ideal to help understand caloric demands (how many calories your body is burning daily), dial in a new nutrition program – specifically fat loss or muscle gain, and track calories or macronutrients

 

HOW IS THE RMR TEST PERFORMED?

The patient will sit comfortably and relaxed in a chair.  A nose clip will be placed on the nose and the patient will breath in and out through a mouthpiece using the lips to seal around the edges to ensure no air escapes analysis.  

 

HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE?

The test usually takes 10 minutes but may take up to 20 minutes for some individuals.

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WHAT IS THE PREPARATION FOR THE TEST?

It is desirable to measure a person’s metabolic rate at a true resting level. To ensure one is at rest, we recommend the following preparation:

  • Avoid eating a meal 4 hours before the test.

  • Avoid exercising on the day of testing.

  • Avoid the use of stimulants such as caffeine prior to testing.

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