What does the basal metabolic rate (BMR) measure?

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) specifically measures the rate at which the body expends energy at rest. This includes the energy required for essential physiological functions such as breathing, circulation, cell production, and nutrient processing, while the body is in a state of rest and not engaged in any physical activity. Essentially, BMR reflects the minimum amount of energy needed to maintain basic metabolic functions necessary for survival.

BMR is typically assessed under standardized conditions – such as measuring caloric expenditure after fasting and while awake but resting in a comfortable environment. Therefore, it is a crucial metric in understanding an individual’s metabolism and overall energy balance.