Hey guys, just wanted your opinions on this: how accurate are the BMR formulas. According to the formulas I should be consuming about 300 calories less than I do. I eat clean and currently I am at 13% bodyfat. I train 6 days a week cardio 3-4 xtimes and week and weights 3-4 X per week. If I were to consume the amount of calores (including the extra 200 calories per day it suggests to help gain muscle with your current training regimen), I would lose weight which is something I don't want to do! Any thoughts.
BMR ? For Aquajock or honeybunch
- Thread starter heidi36
- Start date
Aquajock
Cathlete
Hi, Heidi! I think you've answered your own question about how accurate the BMR formulas are with your own experience. I always like to approach any formula, including target heart rate, as a general guideline rather than a rigid gotta-do because of the individual physical differences among exercisers. I'm not sure which formulas you're referring to, but whatever they are I say throw them away and just keep doing what you feel comfortable doing.
Annette Q. Aquajock
Annette Q. Aquajock
Thanks for the quick answer. The formula I'm referring to is leanbody mass multiplied by 10 to determine your BMR (the calories required to power your body for basic functions i.e. at rest) then you multiply that # by your level of activity (1-5) to determine how many calories you should be taking in for the level of your activity. Than add an additional 200 calories for muscle building. My diet was still over by 300 calories, but it's working for me lol.
Metabolic rate calculations with the equations do not take into account the degree of muscularity of the person in question, therefore are only marginally accurate. One formula strictly uses activity level and body weight, the other uses body weight and age.
Chances are that the equations are grossly underestimating your resting metabolic rate, based on your body comp.
Funny you should bring up this topic--I just bought a little gadget to use with my clients called a Body Gem. It directly measures resting metabolic rate by measuring the volume of oxygen you inspire vs the amount you expire. The volume of oxygen you consume is the best way to accurately determine your resting metabolic rate.
If you are maintaining your weight on 300 more calories per day that the RMR equations tell you that you should be consuming, your RMR is higher than their estimates indicate. If you want to gain weight, try adding the 200 calories per day it suggests on top of your CURRENT daily intake rather than at the intake the equation says you should be.
Maribeth
Chances are that the equations are grossly underestimating your resting metabolic rate, based on your body comp.
Funny you should bring up this topic--I just bought a little gadget to use with my clients called a Body Gem. It directly measures resting metabolic rate by measuring the volume of oxygen you inspire vs the amount you expire. The volume of oxygen you consume is the best way to accurately determine your resting metabolic rate.
If you are maintaining your weight on 300 more calories per day that the RMR equations tell you that you should be consuming, your RMR is higher than their estimates indicate. If you want to gain weight, try adding the 200 calories per day it suggests on top of your CURRENT daily intake rather than at the intake the equation says you should be.
Maribeth