Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)

What Does Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Mean?

Resting metabolic rate refers to the minimal amount of caloric energy required to maintain basic physiological needs, such as breathing, heart rate, thinking, and even sleeping. The cardiopulmonary system operates autonomously in order to regulate metabolism, which necessitates the energy demanded by the body to perform systemic functions on a cyclical basis. It is the rate at which calories are burned while at rest.

REE = [3.9 (VO₂) + 1.1 (VCO₂)] 1.44
VO₂ = volume of oxygen uptake (mL/min)
VCO₂ = volume of carbon dioxide output (mL/min)

Respiratory quotient (RQ) = VCO₂/VO₂

WorkplaceTesting Explains Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)

Resting metabolic rate often confused with basal metabolic rate but is different. It is the cumulative total of calories or stored energy that vital organs require to maintain functionality. The human body depends on the rich minerals and nutrients carried in the blood, which incidentally, targets different organic systems and muscle groups to perpetuate normal biological cycles. Some common and essential functions include heart rate, breathing, eating, thinking, and even sleeping. Understanding a person's resting metabolic rate is helpful in making individual health plans and goals.