1. What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

BMR represents the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest. It accounts for 60-75% of daily calorie expenditure in most people.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for women:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters
• \( age \) — Age in years

Explanation: The equation estimates the calories needed for basic bodily functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps determine daily calorie needs for weight maintenance, loss, or gain. It serves as the foundation for most calorie calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg, height in cm, and age in years. For accurate results, measure weight in the morning before eating and after using the bathroom.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does BMR differ from TDEE?
A: BMR measures calories at complete rest, while Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) includes activity and accounts for all calories burned in a day.

Q2: Why is this equation specific to women?
A: Women generally have lower BMR than men due to differences in body composition. The equation includes a gender-specific constant (-161).

Q3: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate after significant weight changes (5+ kg) or annually as metabolism slows with age.

Q4: Does muscle mass affect BMR?
A: Yes, muscle burns more calories at rest than fat. Those with more muscle mass will have a higher BMR than the equation predicts.

Q5: Can I use this for weight loss planning?
A: Yes, but remember this is only the baseline. Multiply BMR by an activity factor (1.2-1.9) to estimate total daily needs before creating a deficit.