Q: Why should I have my resting metabolic rate tested?
A: Metabolic rate varies as per age, height, weight, and body composition. If your metabolic rate is lower than average, you may gain weight. Conversely, if your metabolic rate is higher than normal, you need not to worry about weight loss.Knowing about your metabolic rate alarms you when to start taking care of your diet and daily routine very seriously.
Q: What can I do to increase my metabolic rate?
A: Adequate sleep, decreased stress, small meals at fixed intervals, adequate water intake, and regular exercise also can help increase your metabolic rate.
Q: What is the difference between basal metabolic rate and resting metabolic rate?
A: BMR stands for basal metabolic rate; rate at which you burn calories while your body is at rest( while sleeping ). RMR is the amount of calories you burn if you rested all 24 hours.
Q: Does metabolism change with time?
A: Metabolism is determined by amount of muscle and fat composition of the body, weight, age, genetics and gender. Weight loss or a change in body composition can significantly effect metabolic rate.
Q: Despite daily exercising, my resting metabolic rate has not increased. Why?
A: Aerobic exercise burns calories which helps in balancing the caloric intake in the body, thereby preventing weight gain.But they do not increase muscle mass in the body. Strength training, adds more muscle to body, leading to increase in resting metabolic rate.
Q: Why is my resting metabolic rate lower despite weight loss?
A: Metabolic rate is altered by total body mass composition. When you lose weight, there is a decrease in total body mass, leading to decreased energy consumption for maintaining body''s vital functions. This results in lower RMR. Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) decreases as you lose weight.
Q: I am suffering from viral infection. Is it OK to measure RMR now?
A: If you are on any kind of antibiotic medications, do not schedule your metabolic rate test. As your body is undergoing stress which would falsely elevate your actual RMR.
