Weight Loss Equations Formulas Calculator - Female Basal Metabolic Rate BMR

Health - Physical Fitness - Diet - Weight Control

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Solve for Female Basal Metabolic Rate BMR
Harris-Benedict Procedure

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Harris-Benedict

	basal metabolic rate for men
	basal metabolic rate for women

Katch-McArdle

basal metabolic rate for males and females

Activity Multiplier

	sedentary activity total daily energy expenditure TDEE - television or office work
	light activity total daily energy expenditure TDEE - exercise workout or sports 1-3 days per week
	moderate activity total daily energy expenditure TDEE - exercise workout or sports 3-5 days per week
	high activity total daily energy expenditure TDEE - exercise workout or sports 6-7 days per week
	extreme activity total daily energy expenditure TDEE - exercise workout or sports two times per day

Lean Body Mass

	Lean body mass
	Percent Body Fat

Body Mass Index

	body mass index
	weight
	height

Where

BMR	=	basal metabolic rate in calories per day
BMI	=	body mass index
TDEE	=	total daily energy expenditure
body fat percentage	=	percent
weight	=	kilograms
height	=	centimeters
age	=	years

Background

The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body requires to sustain basic physiological operations at rest, including breathing, circulation, cell production, nutrient absorption, and maintaining body temperature. Understanding BMR is crucial for anyone looking to manage their weight effectively, engage in fitness, or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Harris-Benedict Equation, revised in 1984, provides a formula to estimate an individual's BMR, with specific variations for females and males due to differences in body composition and metabolism.

Initially developed in 1919 by James Arthur Harris and Francis Gano Benedict, the Harris-Benedict Equation has undergone revisions to improve accuracy. It calculates BMR by considering age, weight, and height. The equation acknowledges the generally higher body fat percentage and differences in lean muscle mass in its calculations for women.

Equation

For females, the Harris-Benedict BMR formula is as follows:

BMR = 655 + (9.6 x weight in kg) + (1.8 x height in cm) - (4.7 x age in years)

How to Solve

Solving for BMR using this equation requires you to first convert your weight from pounds to kilograms (1 kg = 2.20462 lbs) and your height from inches to centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 cm). With your values converted, you can substitute them with your age into the equation to calculate your BMR.

Example

Consider a 30-year-old woman 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) and weighs 140 pounds (63.5 kg).

Weight in kg: 140 lbs / 2.20462 = 63.5 kg

Height in cm: 65 inches x 2.54 = 165 cm

Age: 30 years

So, her BMR = 655 + (9.6 x 63.5) + (1.8 x 165) - (4.7 x 30) = 655 + 610.2 + 297 - 141 = 1421.2 calories/day

Fields/Degrees It Is Used In

Nutrition and Dietetics: This is used to create personalized diet plans.
Sports Science: Tailoring fitness programs to individual metabolic rates.
Endocrinology: Understanding metabolic disorders and their management.
Gerontology: Adjusting dietary requirements for older adults.
Biochemistry and Physiology: Researching metabolic rates and their implications on body functions.

Real-Life Applications

Weight Management Programs: Determining caloric needs for weight loss or gain.
Fitness Training: Customizing workout plans based on metabolic requirements.
Clinical Nutrition: Developing nutritional plans for patients with specific health conditions.
Elderly Care: Adjusting diets to suit reduced BMR in older adults.
Public Health Initiatives: Educating the public on the importance of metabolic health.

Common Mistakes

Not Adjusting for Activity Level: BMR is for rest; total caloric needs include physical activity.
Miscalculating Weight or Height: Errors in conversion to metric units can skew results.
Neglecting Muscle Mass Differences: Individuals with more muscle mass may have higher BMRs, which the equation does not explicitly account for.
Overlooking Age-Related Changes: Failing to adjust diet as BMR decreases with age.
Relying Solely on BMR for Weight Management: Ignoring other factors like nutrient quality and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Harris-Benedict Equation if I'm pregnant?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly alter metabolic rates. It's best to consult a healthcare provider for accurate caloric needs during these times.
How often should I recalculate my BMR?
It's wise to recalculate your BMR after significant weight changes, aging, or shifts in your fitness routine.
Does the Harris-Benedict Equation apply to children?
No, children have different metabolic rates and nutritional needs. Pediatric-specific equations should be used.
Why do metabolic rates differ between genders?
Generally, men have more muscle mass and a larger body size, contributing to a higher BMR. Hormonal differences also play a role.
Can health conditions affect BMR?
Yes, conditions like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can significantly affect your metabolic rate. Always consider individual health circumstances when calculating BMR.