Weight loss is largely about calories in versus calories out, but there are other considerations and terms you can learn to better understand your body's relationship and response to weight loss. BMI and BMR are two terms that deal with weight loss. Understanding the meanings behind these acronyms can help you better understand weight loss in general.
BMI Definition
BMI stands for body mass index, a figure that's a measure of the relationship between your height and weight. BMI is determined by taking pounds and height in inches and converting them to metric figures. The figure for height is then squared, and the figure for weight divided by the squared height figure. For example, if a person is 65 inches tall -- or 5 feet, 5 inches -- and weighs 175 lbs., that person's BMI is 29.1. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight.
BMI Limitations
BMI is a useful tool for examining the relationship between weight and height, but it has limitations. For example, people with more muscle may be considered overweight, even though their total body fat percentage is within acceptable limits. BMI also doesn't factor in the fact that some people, including older adults, may lose muscle at faster rates.
BMR Definition
BMR stands for basal metabolic rate, the standard rate at which your body burns calories. BMR is a useful tool for determining how many calories you can eat per day and still lose weight. According to Western Carolina University, BMR is calculated for women by multiplying height in inches and age by 4.7. Weight in pounds is then multiplied by 4.35. The figures for weight and height are added to the number 655, with the age figure then subtracted out. For men, the formula consists of multiplying weight by 6.23, age by 6.8 and height by 12.7. Weight and height are added to the number 62, after which the figure for age is subtracted out.
BMR Considerations
The base BMR figure does not take into consideration average physical activity levels on a daily basis. To do this, BMR is multiplied by a figure between 1.2 for a sedentary lifestyle and 1.9 for a very active lifestyle. By taking the BMR and accounting for physical activity, you can determine how many calories you need per day to either maintain your current weight or subtract 500 to 1,000 calories per day to lose 1 lb. to 2 lbs. per week.
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