What is Metabolism?
The following article is from health-e-tech, the makers of the MedGem
and BodyGem metabolic rate measurement devices. Clinical Nutrition
Center is proud to offer quick and convenient metabolic rate testing
with the MedGem device. This information is very useful in setting up a
good maintenance plan as every individual's RMR (resting metabolic
rate) is unique. Please call the office at 303-750-9454 if you'd like
more information, or to schedule an appointment! For more
information, you can also visit the health-e-tech web site at
www.healthetech.com.
and BodyGem metabolic rate measurement devices. Clinical Nutrition
Center is proud to offer quick and convenient metabolic rate testing
with the MedGem device. This information is very useful in setting up a
good maintenance plan as every individual's RMR (resting metabolic
rate) is unique. Please call the office at 303-750-9454 if you'd like
more information, or to schedule an appointment! For more
information, you can also visit the health-e-tech web site at
www.healthetech.com.
Metabolism Basics
What Is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the biochemical process of combining nutrients with
oxygen to release the energy our bodies need to function. Metabolism
is typically measured in kilocalories or, more commonly, calories. Total
metabolic rate represents the calories needed for maintaining body
functions, daily activity (occupational and lifestyle), and the energy
cost of exercise or planned activity.
What is RMR?
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the calories the body burns
to maintain vital body functions (heart rate, brain function, breathing).
In simple terms, it is the number of calories a person would burn if they
were awake, but at rest all day. RMR can represent up to 75% of a
person’s total metabolism if they are inactive or lead a sedentary
lifestyle.
Why is it necessary to measure RMR?
Since RMR accounts for up to 75% of the total calories we need each
day, it’s a critical piece of information to appropriately establish daily
calorie needs, whether we’re trying to lose or maintain weight. Most
healthcare and fitness professionals recognize that metabolism is
impacted by a variety of characteristics such as fever, illness, high
fitness, obesity, active weight loss, etc. When managing a client or
patient’s nutritional needs and calorie requirements, knowledge of
RMR is critically important. Traditionally, healthcare professionals, who
have not had access to measurement technology, have relied on
estimates of RMR. Because metabolism is different among individuals,
estimating can lead to errors, and inaccurate calorie budgets. As a
result of these estimates, individuals can be both over- or under-
eating, and not be successful in reaching their personal goals. As
technology advances, professionals must reassess their practices.
The most accurate assessment of caloric needs is by measuring
oxygen consumption and determining individual metabolism. The
BodyGem® and MedGem® devices by HealtheTech are tools that will
provide information vital for determining a personalized calorie budget,
based on individual metabolism, necessary to achieve and maintain
proper weight and nutrition. Additionally, the BodyGem and MedGem
devices play a significant role in providing individual’s daily caloric
needs to improve individual care through nutrition assessment.
How do you measure RMR?
Metabolic rate is traditionally assessed using either direct or indirect
calorimetry. Direct calorimetry requires the precise measure of heat
output using a large, expensive and technically complex whole body
calorimeter. Indirect calorimetry determines metabolic rate from the
oxygen consumption of an individual. Oxygen consumption
measurements are typically done with a medical device called a
metabolic cart. These devices are relatively expensive, $20,000 -
$50,000, require technical expertise to operate, and require routine
maintenance and calibration. Over the past 10 years, HealtheTech
has harnessed revolutionary new technology to develop the BodyGem
and MedGem, handheld devices that can measure oxygen
consumption and determine an individual’s caloric needs. Measuring
oxygen consumption, rather than using population-based predictive
equations, allows health and fitness professionals to make the most
accurate decisions for their clients. With a simple breath test of 10
minutes or less, an individual can now have their unique metabolism
measured, for determination of a personalized calorie budget.
Why is RMR Unique to Each Individual? Why Would It Change?
RMR is influenced by a number of factors, such as: body mass, body
composition (the amount of fat and muscle), age, gender and
hormones. Muscle burns more calories than fat; a person with a
higher percentage of muscle will have a higher RMR. In an example
from a recent weight management study, subject 1 is a woman who
weighs 158 pounds, a body fat percentage of 33%, and a measured
RMR of 1571 calories per day. Subject 2 is a woman who also weighs
158 pounds, but has a body fat percentage of 48% and a measured
RMR of 1252 calories per day. At the same weight, similar height, and
same age, these women have very different RMR values due to
differences in body composition. RMR declines naturally in adults at a
rate of about 2% per decade, however, this decrease is primarily a
result of muscle loss. Men normally have a higher metabolism than
women, partly because they tend to have a higher percentage of
muscle compared to women. Certain hormones can also increase or
decrease metabolism. Additionally, the metabolic response to stress
and injury influences RMR and necessitates measurement of VO2
rather than using formula-based estimates. Estimation equations do
not take into account individual variability, pre-existing medical
conditions, or the numerous other factors present that can affect RMR.
Weight Loss
When individuals lose weight, their metabolism may decrease. This
should not be alarming because the decrease in metabolism is a
result of tissue loss (fat and muscle). Weight loss ideally results in
proportionately more fat loss and some muscle loss. Strength training
during weight loss can lessen the muscle loss, but most people will
experience some muscle loss. During weight loss, the body may also
lower metabolism in response to a lower calorie intake. Most people
experience this change in metabolism without realizing it. Weight loss
may be easy for the first few pounds and then weight loss becomes
more difficult and may even plateau. At a lower metabolism, an
individual must adjust dietary intake or increase activity through
exercise to lose additional weight. The good news is that after weight
loss, metabolism may increase slightly once the individual’s weight is
stable. During weight loss, it is helpful to monitor changes in
metabolism and make necessary adjustments to food intake for
successful weight management.
What Is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the biochemical process of combining nutrients with
oxygen to release the energy our bodies need to function. Metabolism
is typically measured in kilocalories or, more commonly, calories. Total
metabolic rate represents the calories needed for maintaining body
functions, daily activity (occupational and lifestyle), and the energy
cost of exercise or planned activity.
What is RMR?
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the calories the body burns
to maintain vital body functions (heart rate, brain function, breathing).
In simple terms, it is the number of calories a person would burn if they
were awake, but at rest all day. RMR can represent up to 75% of a
person’s total metabolism if they are inactive or lead a sedentary
lifestyle.
Why is it necessary to measure RMR?
Since RMR accounts for up to 75% of the total calories we need each
day, it’s a critical piece of information to appropriately establish daily
calorie needs, whether we’re trying to lose or maintain weight. Most
healthcare and fitness professionals recognize that metabolism is
impacted by a variety of characteristics such as fever, illness, high
fitness, obesity, active weight loss, etc. When managing a client or
patient’s nutritional needs and calorie requirements, knowledge of
RMR is critically important. Traditionally, healthcare professionals, who
have not had access to measurement technology, have relied on
estimates of RMR. Because metabolism is different among individuals,
estimating can lead to errors, and inaccurate calorie budgets. As a
result of these estimates, individuals can be both over- or under-
eating, and not be successful in reaching their personal goals. As
technology advances, professionals must reassess their practices.
The most accurate assessment of caloric needs is by measuring
oxygen consumption and determining individual metabolism. The
BodyGem® and MedGem® devices by HealtheTech are tools that will
provide information vital for determining a personalized calorie budget,
based on individual metabolism, necessary to achieve and maintain
proper weight and nutrition. Additionally, the BodyGem and MedGem
devices play a significant role in providing individual’s daily caloric
needs to improve individual care through nutrition assessment.
How do you measure RMR?
Metabolic rate is traditionally assessed using either direct or indirect
calorimetry. Direct calorimetry requires the precise measure of heat
output using a large, expensive and technically complex whole body
calorimeter. Indirect calorimetry determines metabolic rate from the
oxygen consumption of an individual. Oxygen consumption
measurements are typically done with a medical device called a
metabolic cart. These devices are relatively expensive, $20,000 -
$50,000, require technical expertise to operate, and require routine
maintenance and calibration. Over the past 10 years, HealtheTech
has harnessed revolutionary new technology to develop the BodyGem
and MedGem, handheld devices that can measure oxygen
consumption and determine an individual’s caloric needs. Measuring
oxygen consumption, rather than using population-based predictive
equations, allows health and fitness professionals to make the most
accurate decisions for their clients. With a simple breath test of 10
minutes or less, an individual can now have their unique metabolism
measured, for determination of a personalized calorie budget.
Why is RMR Unique to Each Individual? Why Would It Change?
RMR is influenced by a number of factors, such as: body mass, body
composition (the amount of fat and muscle), age, gender and
hormones. Muscle burns more calories than fat; a person with a
higher percentage of muscle will have a higher RMR. In an example
from a recent weight management study, subject 1 is a woman who
weighs 158 pounds, a body fat percentage of 33%, and a measured
RMR of 1571 calories per day. Subject 2 is a woman who also weighs
158 pounds, but has a body fat percentage of 48% and a measured
RMR of 1252 calories per day. At the same weight, similar height, and
same age, these women have very different RMR values due to
differences in body composition. RMR declines naturally in adults at a
rate of about 2% per decade, however, this decrease is primarily a
result of muscle loss. Men normally have a higher metabolism than
women, partly because they tend to have a higher percentage of
muscle compared to women. Certain hormones can also increase or
decrease metabolism. Additionally, the metabolic response to stress
and injury influences RMR and necessitates measurement of VO2
rather than using formula-based estimates. Estimation equations do
not take into account individual variability, pre-existing medical
conditions, or the numerous other factors present that can affect RMR.
Weight Loss
When individuals lose weight, their metabolism may decrease. This
should not be alarming because the decrease in metabolism is a
result of tissue loss (fat and muscle). Weight loss ideally results in
proportionately more fat loss and some muscle loss. Strength training
during weight loss can lessen the muscle loss, but most people will
experience some muscle loss. During weight loss, the body may also
lower metabolism in response to a lower calorie intake. Most people
experience this change in metabolism without realizing it. Weight loss
may be easy for the first few pounds and then weight loss becomes
more difficult and may even plateau. At a lower metabolism, an
individual must adjust dietary intake or increase activity through
exercise to lose additional weight. The good news is that after weight
loss, metabolism may increase slightly once the individual’s weight is
stable. During weight loss, it is helpful to monitor changes in
metabolism and make necessary adjustments to food intake for
successful weight management.
Other Health News:
Metabolism
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |