Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
Online calculators are wrong up to 30% of the time. RMR testing measures the exact number of calories your body burns at rest—so you can build a nutrition plan based on data, not guesswork.
What is Resting Metabolic Rate?
Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the number of calories your body burns just to stay alive—breathing, circulating blood, maintaining body temperature, repairing cells. You burn these calories even if you stay in bed all day.
RMR typically accounts for 60-75% of your total daily energy expenditure. The rest comes from physical activity and the thermic effect of food (digestion). This means small errors in estimating RMR lead to big problems with your calorie targets.
We measure RMR using indirect calorimetry—you breathe into a device that analyzes oxygen consumption and CO2 production to calculate your exact metabolic rate. No formulas, no estimates, just your real numbers.
Why RMR Testing Matters
Knowing your true metabolic rate changes everything about how you approach weight loss.
Precise Calorie Targets
Stop guessing. Know exactly how many calories you burn so you can create the right deficit—not too aggressive (muscle loss) or too conservative (no progress).
Detect Metabolic Adaptation
Has your metabolism slowed from dieting? RMR testing reveals metabolic adaptation so we can address it before you plateau.
Track Metabolic Health
Monitor how your metabolism responds to treatment. Building muscle? Losing fat? Pair with DEXA scans to see the full picture.
The Problem with Calculators
Online RMR calculators use formulas based on population averages. Your metabolism isn't average.
Same Person. Same Calculator. Three Different Realities.
A 720 calorie difference = 1.5 lbs per week of miscalculated fat loss or gain
What You'll Learn
Your RMR test provides actionable data for optimizing your weight loss strategy.
Your Exact RMR
The precise number of calories your body burns at rest—measured, not estimated.
Metabolic Efficiency
Are you burning carbs or fat for fuel? Your respiratory quotient reveals your fuel utilization.
Calorie Targets
Calculated maintenance, weight loss, and aggressive deficit targets based on your real metabolism.
Metabolic Comparison
How your RMR compares to predicted values—is your metabolism faster or slower than expected?
Macro Recommendations
Protein, carb, and fat targets aligned with your metabolic profile. Work with our registered dietitian to implement them.
Progress Tracking
Baseline data to compare against future tests—see how your metabolism improves over time.
What to Expect
A simple, non-invasive test that takes about 15 minutes.
Arrive Fasted
No food for 4-5 hours. Morning appointments work best.
Relax
Recline comfortably for 10 minutes to reach true resting state.
Breathe
Breathe normally through the mouthpiece for 15-20 minutes while we measure.
Review
Get your results immediately and discuss what they mean for your plan.
How to Prepare
Proper preparation ensures the most accurate results.
✔ Before Your Test
- Fast for 4-5 hours (water is fine)
- Avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours
- No strenuous exercise for 12 hours
- Get a normal night's sleep
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
- Take regular medications as prescribed
✔ Day of Test
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early to relax
- Morning appointments are ideal
- Avoid rushing or stressful activities before
- Be prepared to lie still for ~20 minutes
- Bring questions about your results
Frequently Asked Questions
RMR is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest to maintain basic functions like breathing, circulation, and cell repair. It typically accounts for 60-75% of your total daily calorie expenditure—making it the foundation for any nutrition plan.
Online calculators estimate RMR using formulas based on age, weight, and height—but individual metabolism varies by up to 30% from these predictions. Direct measurement with indirect calorimetry is accurate to within 2-5% and reveals your actual metabolic rate, not a population average.
The breathing portion takes 15-20 minutes. With check-in, relaxation period, and results review, plan for a 30-45 minute appointment total.
Not at all. You simply recline comfortably and breathe normally through a mouthpiece or into a canopy. There's no exertion, no needles, nothing invasive. Most people find it relaxing.
For weight loss patients, we recommend retesting every 3-4 months to track metabolic changes. Your metabolism can adapt to calorie restriction or improve as you build muscle—retesting ensures your calorie targets stay accurate.
A below-predicted RMR isn't a life sentence. It often indicates metabolic adaptation from prior dieting, low muscle mass, or hormonal factors—all of which we can address. Knowing your true RMR is the first step to fixing it through proper nutrition, resistance training, and sometimes hormone optimization.
Stop Guessing. Start Measuring.
Get the data you need to build a nutrition plan that actually works for your body. Book your RMR test today.