STEADFAST TRAINING GLOSSARY
Definition
Basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the energy expenditure required to support essential body functions under standardized resting, fasting conditions.
What it means
BMR does not include an ordinary day of walking, training and eating. Resting metabolic rate is a related measure obtained under less strict conditions; the terms are often used loosely in calculators.
A practical example
If a calculator reports BMR and TDEE, they answer different questions. The BMR value estimates baseline energy use, while TDEE attempts to include the demands of the full day.
Putting it into practice
Do not automatically use BMR as a weight loss calorie target or as a universal safety cutoff. Daily intake planning requires a broader assessment of needs, goals and health. An equation is an estimate, not a laboratory measurement.
Related terms
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) · Energy Balance · Maintenance Calories
Explore further
Calorie calculator and daily energy estimates · Browse the glossary