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Hey there, future torchers of calories! Curious about the energy your body needs just to exist? Let’s introduce you to the Mifflin-St Jeor BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calculation formula. This isn’t some dusty old BMR formula – it’s the rockstar of BMR formulas!
Table of Contents
Formulation
BMR = 10 * weight(kg) + 6.25 * height(cm) - 5 * age(y) + 5 (man) or - 161 (woman)
Mifflin-St Jeor BMR Categories
| Category | BMR Range (kcal/day) |
|---|---|
| Very Low | < 1200 |
| Low | 1200 – 1399 |
| Normal | 1400 – 1599 |
| High | 1600 – 1799 |
| Very High | > 1800 |
Example Calculations
| Person | Weight (lbs) | Height (in) | Age (yrs) | Gender | BMR (kcal/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob | 180 | 70 | 30 | Male | 1790 |
| Alice | 130 | 65 | 25 | Female | 1340 |
Calculation Methods
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris-Benedict | High accuracy | Complex | High |
| Katch-McArdle | Considers lean body mass | Requires body fat % | Medium |
| Cunningham | Simple | Less accurate | Low |
Evolution of Mifflin-St Jeor BMR Calculation
| Year | Update |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Introduction of the Mifflin-St Jeor equation |
| 2000 | Validation studies confirm its higher accuracy |
| 2010 | Studies show it remains the most accurate BMR calculation |
Limitations
- Individual Variations: The formula doesn’t consider individual metabolic variations.
- Body Composition: Doesn’t account for muscle mass vs fat mass.
- Health Conditions: Certain health conditions can alter BMR.
Alternative Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Harris-Benedict | High accuracy | Complex |
| Katch-McArdle | Considers lean body mass | Requires body fat % |
| Cunningham | Simple | Less accurate |
FAQs
- What is BMR? BMR, or Basal Metabolic Rate, is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions while at rest.
- Why is the Mifflin-St Jeor formula considered the best? It’s considered the best due to its higher accuracy in varied populations.
- Who should use the Mifflin-St Jeor formula? Anyone interested in knowing their BMR can use this formula. It’s especially useful for those planning a diet or exercise regimen.
- What affects BMR? Factors like age, weight, height, gender, and body composition can affect BMR.
- Can I increase my BMR? Yes, by increasing your muscle mass through strength training and regular exercise.
- Is a high BMR good? A high BMR means your body uses more calories at rest. This can be beneficial for weight management.
- How often should I calculate my BMR? You should recalculate your BMR whenever your weight changes significantly or you alter your physical activity levels.
- Can I use the Mifflin-St Jeor BMR calculation for children? No, it’s not recommended for children. There are specific formulas to calculate BMR for children.
- What is the difference between BMR and BMI? BMR is the number of calories your body needs at rest, while BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
- Can there be errors in BMR calculation? Yes, individual metabolic variations and body composition can affect the accuracy of BMR calculations.
References
- CDC: This resource provides comprehensive information on BMR and related health factors.
- National Institute of Health: This resource offers in-depth studies and publications on BMR and its impact on health.