What is Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing?
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing measures the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain essential functions like breathing and heartbeat. It gives a precise snapshot of how your body uses energy throughout the day and helps you understand your metabolic health.
At Life Fit Labs, our RMR test provides an accurate reading of your body’s unique energy requirements. Unlike estimation formulas that can vary by as much as 30-40%, our medical-grade RMR test gives you precise data about your metabolism, allowing for better decision-making when it comes to diet and exercise.
What is RMR Testing Used For?
RMR testing is a critical tool for anyone looking to improve their health through fat loss, muscle building, or understanding metabolic issues. With RMR testing, you can:
- Burn More Fat: Learn how efficient your body is at using fat or sugar as fuel, and use this knowledge to tailor your nutrition and exercise routines.
- Build More Muscle: Understanding how your metabolism works helps you feed your body properly to maximize muscle growth and recovery.
- Break Through Plateaus: If you've struggled with weight loss or hit a plateau, an RMR test can reveal if a slowed metabolism is contributing to your challenges.
- Track Changes Over Time: Combine RMR testing with DEXA scans to monitor how changes in diet and exercise affect your lean mass, fat mass, and overall health.
What to Expect During Your RMR Test
- Preparation:
- Fast for at least four hours before the test (only water is allowed).
- Avoid exercise and limit physical activity the day of testing.
- Refrain from caffeine or stimulants on the day of the test including nicotine or cold medications, and avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours prior. Take your prescription medications as usual.
- Wear comfortable clothing as you will simply be relaxing during the test.
- The Test:
- The test lasts about 15-20 minutes.
- You will relax in a chair while breathing into a mask connected to our metabolic cart. For the most accurate results, please don’t check email, text messages, or doom scroll on social media.
- The cart measures your oxygen consumption and exhaled carbon dioxide, which helps calculate your resting metabolic rate and fuel utilization. Although a more accurate measurement of fuel utilization is obtained via an exercise test like a Metabolic Efficiency Test.
- Post-Test:
- After the test, we’ll analyze your data and review the results with you.
- You’ll gain insights into how many calories you burn at rest, and how this information can help you tailor your nutrition and fitness goals.
Why Knowing Your RMR is Important?
Your Resting Metabolic Rate accounts for roughly 70% of all the energy you expend daily. Knowing your RMR is crucial for anyone trying to lose weight, build lean mass, or optimize their health. By understanding your body’s specific energy needs, you can better structure your diet and exercise routines to meet your goals.
Ready to unlock the secrets of your metabolism? Schedule your RMR test at Life Fit Labs today!