Basal Metabolic Rate and How It Affects Weight Loss

Basal Metabolic Rate is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about weight loss. We usually think about dieting and exercise programs. But, BMR is a large factor in how our bodies gain or lose weight.

Counting the calories consumed in foods or used in exercise needs to have some base line to measure against. Part of this measurement is based on the basal metabolic rate or BMR. The BMR is the base rate for the body's calorie consumption for the basic functions of the body like pumping blood, maintaining body temperature and repairing blood cells.

The food calories consumed and the exercise calories expended are both important to success in weight loss. The number of calories taken in less the number of calories used equals the calories that are left to be stored as fat in adipose tissues. That amount is approximately 70 calories per hour; a little more when we are awake and a little less when we are sleeping. Everyone has a slightly different BMR depending partially on their genetics and partially on their body types.

Other factors that affect the basal metabolic rate are your body temperature (for instance, if you have a fever) and some medications (such as antidepressants). A fever can cause weight loss and antidepressants can cause weight gain. Talk to your health care professional about how the medications you take can affect your body and whether you would need to take additional steps to prevent excessive weight gain.

Your body must have some fat in order to function. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are used for electrical functions by the heart, brain and muscles. They are also used by the body for regulating hormones.

BMR can also be changed when you are injured. This is a temporary change while your body is using essential fatty acids and proteins to rebuild damaged tissues. Some weight can be lost when recovering from an injury, depending on its severity. Of course, you wouldn't want to go out and break a leg just to lose a few pounds :)

Foods that are high in fat and refined sugars can reduce the basal metabolic rate because they are low in fiber and bulk. This slows down the activity in the intestines and causes the body to absorb more calories from them. Proper nutrition and getting enough vitamins and minerals can help regulate the BMR.

BMR is generally determined by family genetics. To prevent the poor BMR levels that are handed down from the generations before you, it is important to eat a proper diet and exercise according to your age and body's fitness level.

Taking the basal metabolic rate into account when you are planning to lose weight will help you on the road to success.

Jude Wright is the owner of "9 Weeks to Weight Loss" at 9WeekstoWeightLoss.com. Stop by and get your free report, "Losing Weight Without Starving Yourself."