Even at rest, the body burns calories. Physical activity and your basal metabolic rate -- or BMR -- determines the amount of calories you burn. There is no limit to the number of calories your body will use in one day. The body will adapt its calorie consumption to suit daily conditions.
Basal Metabolic Rate Definition
Basal metabolic rate represents the number of calories your body burns at rest. Calculation of your BMR, factors in your age, sex, weight, height and physical activity. BMR increases as you build muscle and engage in physical activity.
Calculating Basal Metabolic Rate
The formula for BMR differs for men and women. For women, use the formula:
655 + (4.35 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches) - (4.7 x age in years).
Men will use formula:
66 + (6.23 x weight in pounds) + (12.7 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years).
Physical Activity and Thermogenesis
While BMR accounts for 60 to 75 percent of the calories burned daily, food digestion also called thermogenesis and physical activity account for the rest. Physical activity consumes 20 to 30 percent of calories. Thermogenesis burns approximately 10 percent.
References
- Harvard Health Publications: Glossary of Exercise Terms
- "Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You"; Jillian Michaels; 2008
- Mayoclinic.com: Metabolism and Weight Loss: How You Burn Calories
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