Resting metabolic rate (RMR) refers to the amount of energy your body uses when at rest. Even when you’re sitting still or sleeping, your body still requires fuel to support essential functions such as breathing, circulating blood, and repairing cells.
Understanding your RMR can provide useful insight into how your body burns calories and why weight loss may be easier for some people than others. In his concierge medicine practice, empathetic physician Dr. Douglas Hilbert provides one-on-one weight management that’s tailored for your RMR and other unique aspects of your health. Today, we’re discussing how it can affect weight loss (and gain).
What RMR Means for Weight Loss
When you want to lose weight, the calories you take in must be lower than the calories your body burns. Your RMR makes up the largest portion of daily energy use, often accounting for up to three-quarters of total calorie expenditure.
If your RMR is higher, your body naturally burns more calories throughout the day. That helps you achieve a calorie deficit more easily. People with more lean muscle mass usually have a higher RMR because muscle tissue requires more energy than fat to maintain.
A lower RMR means you burn fewer calories at rest. If you don’t adjust your food intake to match this lower rate, weight gain can occur over time. Age, genetics, and hormonal changes can all influence RMR. This is one reason why weight gain can become more challenging to control as people age, even if they’re eating the same way they always have.
Using RMR to Guide Your Health
By knowing how many calories your body uses at rest, you can make adjustments that support your goals, whether that is losing weight, maintaining it, or building muscle.
Dr. Hilbert performs DEXA scans that evaluate body composition and help him estimate your RMR. He also offers specific, measured RMR evaluations using breath tests.
You can then work with Dr. Hilbert to tailor your diet, raise your RMR, and optimize your weight and whole-body health.
Concierge Weight Loss in San Antonio
With Dr. Hilbert’s concierge program, you can pay a monthly fee that comes out to less than $5 a day to gain direct access to highly personalized whole-person medical support, including expert weight management. To start a meaningful conversation about your RMR and how you can take control of your weight, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hilbert. Phone our office at 210-614-4000 today.
