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Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
The energy your body burns at complete rest just to stay alive.
Measures
Definition
Basal metabolic rate is the energy the body uses at complete rest to keep the heart beating, the lungs working and the cells maintained — typically the largest single part of daily energy use. It rises with body size and muscle mass and falls a little with age. Your total daily energy need is BMR multiplied by an activity factor. Predictive equations such as Mifflin–St Jeor estimate BMR from weight, height, age and sex, but they are approximations.
Related terms
Calorie
A unit of food energy; the "calorie" on labels is really a kilocalorie.
Body mass index (BMI)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared; a rough screening tool.
Body-fat percentage
The share of your weight that is fat — a better body-composition measure than BMI.
Source: Standard energy-expenditure references (e.g. Mifflin–St Jeor equation). · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
Basal metabolic rate is the energy the body uses at complete rest to keep the heart beating, the lungs working and the cells maintained — typically the largest single part of daily energy use. It rises with body size and muscle mass and falls a little with age. Your total daily energy need is BMR multiplied by an activity factor. Predictive equations such as Mifflin–St Jeor estimate BMR from weight, height, age and sex, but they are approximations.
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