Resting metabolic rate testing · Fort Worth, Texas
Resting metabolic rate testing. Your calories, measured.
Online calculators guess your calorie needs from a formula. We measure yours with indirect calorimetry in our Fort Worth clinic — so your nutrition plan starts from your real metabolism, not a population average.
- In-house testing room
- No needles — just normal breathing
- Results reviewed with you in person
What RMR measures
What is resting metabolic rate vs basal metabolic rate? And why measure it?
Your resting metabolic rate (RMR) measures your caloric needs at rest—the energy your body uses for breathing, circulation, and cell repair. It's similar to basal metabolic rate (BMR), though BMR testing requires stricter laboratory conditions.
RMR typically accounts for 60-75% of your total daily caloric needs. We measure RMR using indirect calorimetry—a metabolic testing method that analyzes oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to calculate your exact energy expenditure.
Online RMR calculators use formulas based on population averages. Your metabolism isn't average.
Your results
What you'll learn
Your RMR test provides actionable data for optimizing your weight loss strategy. We also capture respiratory exchange ratio and caloric expenditure for more precise coaching.
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Your exact RMR
The precise number of calories your body burns at rest—measured, not estimated.
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Metabolic comparison
How your RMR compares to predicted values—is your metabolism faster or slower than expected?
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Metabolic adaptation
Has your metabolism slowed from dieting? RMR testing reveals metabolic adaptation so we can address it before you plateau.
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Metabolic efficiency
Are you burning carbs or fat for fuel? Your respiratory quotient reveals your fuel utilization.
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Calorie targets
Estimate resting energy expenditure to help inform nutrition targets alongside symptoms, activity, goals, and the broader clinical evaluation.
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Progress tracking
Baseline data to compare against future tests and body composition analysis—see how your metabolism improves over time.
Side by side
The problem with calculators
Online RMR calculators use formulas based on population averages. Measuring your RMR shows what your own body is doing.
| What you get | Measured RMR at Highland | Online calculator |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Analyzes oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production | Formulas based on age, weight, and height |
| The number you get | Your actual metabolic rate | A population average |
| Shows metabolic adaptation from dieting | Yes | No |
| Baseline to compare against future tests | Yes | No |
| Turned into a plan with your care team | Yes | No |
The Highland difference
Not just a number. A number that changes your plan.
An RMR result is only useful if someone helps you act on it. At Highland, your test sits inside a physician-led weight-management practice.
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Tested in our clinic, explained in plain language
Your test happens in our own Fort Worth testing room, and your results are reviewed with you — not emailed to you as a printout. Highland Longevity’s medical director, Dr. Joshua Lindsley, DO, DABOM, is board-certified in Obesity Medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and in Emergency Medicine.
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Your numbers become a nutrition plan
Your care team combines your RMR with your DEXA results, so your nutrition targets are calculated from your actual RMR and DEXA results—not generic online formulas. Protein, carb, and fat targets aligned with your metabolic profile.
DEXA body composition scans
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Part of the complete picture
Combined with body composition data from DEXA, RMR testing provides the complete picture for weight management. We also offer VO2 max testing for comprehensive fitness assessment — all under one roof.
What to expect
A simple, non-invasive test
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Arrive fasted
No food for 4-5 hours. Morning appointments work best.
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Relax
Recline comfortably for 10 minutes to reach true resting state.
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Breathe
Breathe normally through the mouthpiece for 15-20 minutes while we measure.
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Review
Get your results immediately and discuss what they mean for your plan.
How to prepare
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 your test
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early to relax
- Avoid rushing or stressful activities before
- Be prepared to lie still for ~20 minutes
- Bring questions about your results
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Something we didn’t cover? Call (214) 444-9796 — a real person at our Fort Worth clinic will answer.
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.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) are similar but BMR requires stricter testing conditions (complete darkness, 8+ hours fasting, no prior activity). RMR is more practical for clinical fitness assessment and is typically 5-10% higher than BMR. Both measure your caloric needs at rest.
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.
Highland Longevity · Fort Worth, Texas
Plan your metabolic test in Fort Worth
Book resting metabolic rate testing at our Fort Worth clinic. Contact our team with questions about preparing for your test or scheduling other testing during your visit.
View testing appointmentsVisit our Fort Worth clinic
4801 Golden Triangle Blvd, Suite 121Fort Worth, TX 76244
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
First and second Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; other Saturdays closed.
Know your number
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.
Medical disclaimer. The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. It does not establish a physician-patient relationship and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All treatments at Highland Longevity are provided under the supervision of a licensed physician. Individual results vary. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine whether a given therapy is appropriate for your individual health status.