View source for Basal metabolic rate

{{Short description|Rate of energy expenditure by an endotherm at rest}}
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'''Basal metabolic rate''' ('''BMR''') is the rate of [[food energy|energy]] expenditure per unit time by [[endotherm|endothermic animals]] at rest.<ref name=mcnab1997>{{cite journal |vauthors=McNab BK |title=On the Utility of Uniformity in the Definition of Basal Rate of Metabolism |journal=[[Physiological Zoology]] |year=1997 |volume=70 |issue=6 |pages=718–720 |doi=10.1086/515881|pmid=9361146 |s2cid=34996894 }}. In other words it is the energy required by body organs to perform normally[https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/basal-metabolic-rate].</ref> It is reported in energy units per unit time ranging from [[watt]] (joule/second) to ml O<sub>2</sub>/min or joule per hour per kg body mass J/(h·kg). Proper measurement requires a strict set of criteria to be met. These criteria include being in a physically and psychologically undisturbed state and being in a [[Thermal neutral zone|thermally neutral environment]] while in the post-[[absorptive state]] (i.e., not actively [[digesting]] food).<ref name=mcnab1997 /> In [[Bradymetabolism|bradymetabolic]] animals, such as [[fish]] and [[reptiles]], the equivalent term '''standard metabolic rate''' ('''SMR''') applies. It follows the same criteria as BMR, but requires the documentation of the temperature at which the metabolic rate was measured. This makes BMR a variant of standard metabolic rate measurement that excludes the temperature data, a practice that has led to problems in defining "standard" rates of metabolism for many mammals.<ref name=mcnab1997 />

Metabolism comprises the processes that the body needs to function.<ref name=balles>{{cite journal |vauthors= Ballesteros FJ, Martinez VJ, Luque B, Lacasa L, Valor E, Moya A |title= On the thermodynamic origin of metabolic scaling |journal=[[Scientific Reports]] |year=2018 |volume=8 |issue= 1 |pages=1448:1–1448:10 |doi=10.1038/s41598-018-19853-6|pmid= 29362491 |bibcode=2018NatSR...8.1448B |arxiv=1407.3659 |pmc=5780499 }}</ref> Basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy per unit of time that a person needs to keep the body functioning at rest. Some of those processes are [[breathing]], [[blood circulation]], controlling [[body temperature]], [[cell growth]], brain and nerve function, and [[Muscle contraction|contraction of muscles]]. Basal metabolic rate affects the rate that a person burns calories and ultimately whether that individual maintains, gains, or loses weight. The basal metabolic rate accounts for about 70% of the daily calorie expenditure by individuals. It is influenced by several factors. In humans, BMR typically declines by 1–2% per decade after age&nbsp;20, mostly due to loss of [[Body composition|fat-free mass]],<ref name="pmid19698803">{{cite journal |vauthors=Manini TM |title=Energy expenditure and aging |journal=[[Ageing Research Reviews]] |volume=9 |issue=1 |year=2010 |pages=1–11 |doi=10.1016/j.arr.2009.08.002 |pmc=2818133 |pmid=19698803 }}</ref> although the variability between individuals is high.<ref name="pmid24300125">{{cite journal |vauthors=McMurray RG, Soares J, Caspersen CJ, McCurdy T |title=Examining variations of resting metabolic rate of adults: a public health perspective |journal=[[Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise]] |volume=46 |issue=7 |year=2014 |pages=1352–1358 |doi=10.1249/MSS.0000000000000232 |pmc=4535334   |pmid=24300125  }}</ref>

==Description==
The body's generation of heat is known as [[thermogenesis]] and it can be measured to determine the amount of energy expended. BMR generally decreases with age, and with the decrease in [[lean body mass]] (as may happen with aging). Increasing muscle mass has the effect of increasing BMR. [[Aerobic respiration|Aerobic (resistance)]] fitness level, a product of [[cardiovascular exercise]], while previously thought to have effect on BMR, has been shown in the 1990s not to correlate with BMR when adjusted for fat-free body mass.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} But [[Strength training|anaerobic exercise]] does increase resting energy consumption (see "[[Basal metabolic rate#Aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise|aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise]]").<ref name="pmid16526835">{{cite journal |vauthors=Stiegler P, Cunliffe A |title=The role of diet and exercise for the maintenance of fat-free mass and resting metabolic rate during weight loss |journal=[[Sports Medicine]] |volume=36 |issue=3 |year=2006 |pages=239–262  |url=http://www.sportmedizin-hamburg.com/images/pdfs/Literatur_Verschiedene_Themen/Grundumsatzmessung_Stiegler2006.pdf  |pmid=16526835 |doi=10.2165/00007256-200636030-00005|s2cid=44212103 }}</ref>  Illness, previously consumed food and beverages, environmental temperature, and stress levels can affect one's overall energy expenditure as well as one's BMR.

[[File:Indirect calorimetry laboratory with canopy hood.jpg|thumb|Indirect calorimetry laboratory with canopy hood (dilution technique)]]

BMR is measured under very restrictive circumstances when a person is awake. An accurate BMR measurement requires that the person's [[sympathetic nervous system]] not be stimulated, a condition which requires complete rest. A more common measurement, which uses less strict criteria, is [[Resting metabolic rate|resting metabolic rate (RMR)]].<ref>
{{cite web |title=Calculating BMR and RMR: Diet and Weight Loss Tutorial  |website=CaloriesPerHour.com |url=http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_BMR.php |access-date=2008-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105084119/http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_BMR.php |archive-date=2008-01-05 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

BMR may be measured by gas analysis through either direct or [[indirect calorimetry]], though a rough estimation can be acquired through an equation using age, sex, height, and weight. Studies of energy [[metabolism]] using both methods provide convincing evidence for the validity of the [[respiratory quotient]] (RQ), which measures the inherent composition and utilization of [[carbohydrate]]s, [[fat]]s and [[protein]]s as they are converted to energy substrate units that can be used by the body as energy.

==Phenotypic flexibility==
BMR is a [[phenotypic plasticity|flexible trait]] (it can be reversibly adjusted within individuals), with, for example, lower temperatures generally resulting in higher basal metabolic rates for both birds<ref name="McKechnie2008">{{cite journal|last1=McKechnie|first1=Andrew E.|title=Phenotypic flexibility in basal metabolic rate and the changing view of avian physiological diversity: a review|journal=Journal of Comparative Physiology B|volume=178|issue=3|year=2008|pages=235–247|issn=0174-1578|doi=10.1007/s00360-007-0218-8|pmid=17957373|s2cid=28481792}}</ref> and rodents.<ref name="RezendeBozinovic2004">{{Cite journal |last1=Rezende |first1=Enrico L. |last2=Bozinovic |first2=Francisco |author-link2=Francisco Bozinovic |last3=Garland |first3=Theodore Jr. |year=2004 |title=Climatic adaptation and the evolution of basal and maximum rates of metabolism in rodents |journal=Evolution |volume=58 |issue=6 |pages=1361–1374 |doi=10.1111/j.0014-3820.2004.tb01714.x |issn=0014-3820 |pmid=15266984 |doi-access=free |s2cid=15234056}}</ref> There are two models to explain how BMR changes in response to temperature: the variable maximum model (VMM) and variable fraction model (VFM). The VMM states that the summit metabolism (or the maximum metabolic rate in response to the cold) increases during the winter, and that the sustained metabolism (or the metabolic rate that can be indefinitely sustained) remains a constant fraction of the former. The VFM says that the summit metabolism does not change, but that the sustained metabolism is a larger fraction of it. The VMM is supported in mammals, and, when using whole-body rates, passerine birds. The VFM is supported in studies of passerine birds using mass-specific metabolic rates (or metabolic rates per unit of mass). This latter measurement has been criticized by Eric Liknes, Sarah Scott, and David Swanson, who say that mass-specific metabolic rates are inconsistent seasonally.<ref name="LiknesScott2002">{{cite journal|last1=Liknes|first1=Eric T.|last2=Scott|first2=Sarah M.|last3=Swanson|first3=David L.|title=Seasonal acclimatization in the American goldfinch revisited: To what extent do metabolic rates vary seasonally?|journal=The Condor|volume=104|issue=3|year=2002|pages=548|issn=0010-5422|doi=10.1650/0010-5422(2002)104[0548:SAITAG]2.0.CO;2|s2cid=85701170 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In addition to adjusting to temperature, BMR also may adjust before annual migration cycles.<ref name="McKechnie2008"/> The [[red knot]] (ssp. ''islandica'') increases its BMR by about 40% before migrating northward. This is because of the energetic demand of long-distance flights. The increase is likely primarily due to increased mass in organs related to flight.<ref name="WeberPiersma1996">{{cite journal|last1=Weber|first1=Thomas P.|last2=Piersma|first2=Theunis|title=Basal metabolic rate and the mass of tissues differing in metabolic scope: Migration-related covariation between individual knots ''Calidris canutus''|journal=Journal of Avian Biology|volume=27|issue=3|year=1996|pages=215|issn=0908-8857|doi=10.2307/3677225|jstor=3677225|s2cid=73611179 |url=https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/6808649/1996JAvianBiolWeber.pdf}}</ref> The end destination of migrants affects their BMR: [[yellow-rumped warbler]]s migrating northward were found to have a 31% higher BMR than those migrating southward.<ref name="McKechnie2008"/>

In humans, BMR is directly proportional to a person's [[lean body mass]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite book|title=Goldman-Cecil Medicine, Twenty-Fifth Edition|last1=Goldman|first1= Lee|last2= Schafer|first2= Andrew I.|publisher=Elsevier|year=2016|isbn=978-1-4557-5017-7|location=Philadelphia, PA|pages=1458–1466}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite book|title=Conn's Current Therapy 2018|editor-last1=Kellerman|editor-first1= Rick D.|editor-last2= Bope|editor-first2= Edward T.|publisher=Elsevier, Inc.|year=2018|isbn=978-0-323-52769-9|location=Philadelphia, PA|pages=336–345}}</ref> In other words, the more lean body mass a person has, the higher their BMR; but BMR is also affected by acute illnesses and increases with conditions like burns, fractures, infections, fevers, etc.<ref name=":42" /> In menstruating females, BMR varies to some extent with the phases of their [[menstrual cycle]]. Due to the increase in [[progesterone]], BMR rises at the start of the [[luteal phase]] and stays at its highest until this phase ends. There are different findings in research how much of an increase usually occurs. Small sample, early studies, found various figures, such as; a 6% higher postovulatory sleep metabolism,<ref>Bisdee JT. James WPT. Whole body calorimetry studies in the menstrual cycle. New York: Fourth International Conference on Obesity 1983;52(abstr).</ref> a 7% to 15% higher 24 hour expenditure following ovulation,<ref>Webb P. levels of energy exchange in women after ovulation. The Physiologist 1981;24:43(abstr)</ref> and an increase and a luteal phase BMR increase by up to 12%.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Curtis|first1=Vickie|last2=Henry|first2=C. J. K.|last3=Birch|first3=E.|last4=Ghusain-Choueiri|first4=A.|date=1996|title=Intraindividual variation in the basal metabolic rate of women: Effect of the menstrual cycle|journal=American Journal of Human Biology|volume=8|issue=5|pages=631–639|doi=10.1002/(SICI)1520-6300(1996)8:5<631::AID-AJHB8>3.0.CO;2-Y|issn=1520-6300|pmid=28561339|s2cid=22936847 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Aschoff|first1=J.|last2=Pohl|first2=H.|date=July 1970|title=Rhythmic variations in energy metabolism|journal=Federation Proceedings|volume=29|issue=4|pages=1541–1552|issn=0014-9446|pmid=5459903}}</ref> A study by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition found that an experimental group of female volunteers had an 11.5% average increase in 24 hour energy expenditure in the two weeks following ovulation, with a range of 8% to 16%. This group was measured via simultaneously direct and indirect calorimetry and had standardized daily meals and sedentary schedule in order to prevent the increase from being manipulated by change in food intake or activity level.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Webb|first=Paul|date=1986|title=24-hour energy expenditure and menstrual cycle|url=http://vorga.org/44-5-614.full.pdf|journal=American Journal of Clinical Nutrition|volume=44|issue=5|pages=614–619|doi=10.1093/ajcn/44.5.614|pmid=3766447|via=AJCN|access-date=2019-08-20|archive-date=2019-08-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820010332/http://vorga.org/44-5-614.full.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2011 study conducted by the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences found that during a woman's [[follicular phase]] and [[Menstruation|menstrual cycle]] is no significant difference in BMR, however the calories burned per hour is significantly higher, up to 18%, during the luteal phase. Increased state anxiety (stress level) also temporarily increased BMR.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Shashikala |first1=L. |last2=Hemalatha |first2=N. R. |date=April 2011 |title=Basal metabolic rate, stress and different phases of menstrual cycle |url=http://www.rjms.in/index.php/rjms/article/download/115969/80375 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820010332/http://www.rjms.in/index.php/rjms/article/download/115969/80375 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |journal=RGUHS Journal Medical Sciences |volume=1 |issue=2}}</ref>

==Physiology==
The early work of the scientists [[J. Arthur Harris]] and Francis G. Benedict showed that approximate values for BMR could be derived using [[body surface area]] (computed from height and weight), age, and sex, along with the oxygen and carbon dioxide measures taken from calorimetry. Studies also showed that by eliminating the sex differences that occur with the accumulation of [[adipose tissue]] by expressing metabolic rate per unit of "fat-free" or [[lean body mass]], the values between sexes for basal metabolism are essentially the same. [[Exercise physiology]] textbooks have tables to show the conversion of height and body surface area as they relate to weight and basal metabolic values.

The primary [[Organ (anatomy)|organ]] responsible for regulating metabolism is the [[hypothalamus]]. The hypothalamus is located on the [[diencephalon]] and forms the floor and part of the lateral walls of the third ventricle of the [[cerebrum]]. The chief functions of the hypothalamus are:
# control and integration of activities of the [[autonomic nervous system]] (ANS)
#* The ANS regulates contraction of smooth muscle and [[cardiac muscle]], along with secretions of many endocrine organs such as the thyroid gland (associated with many metabolic disorders).
#* Through the ANS, the hypothalamus is the main regulator of visceral activities, such as heart rate, movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, and contraction of the urinary bladder.
# production and regulation of feelings of rage and aggression
# regulation of body temperature
# regulation of food intake, through two centers:
#* The feeding center or hunger center is responsible for the sensations that cause us to seek food. When sufficient food or substrates have been received and [[leptin]] is high, then the satiety center is stimulated and sends impulses that inhibit the feeding center. When insufficient food is present in the stomach and [[ghrelin]] levels are high, receptors in the hypothalamus initiate the sense of hunger.
#* The thirst center operates similarly when certain cells in the hypothalamus are stimulated by the rising [[osmotic pressure]] of the extracellular fluid. If thirst is satisfied, osmotic pressure decreases.

All of these functions taken together form a survival mechanism that causes us to sustain the body processes that BMR measures.

===BMR estimation formulas===
Several equations to predict the number of calories required by humans have been published from the early 20th–21st centuries. In each of the formulas below:<ref name="Harris1918"/>
: '''P''' is total heat production at complete rest,
: '''m''' is mass (kg),
: '''h''' is height (cm),
: '''a''' is age (years).

;The original Harris–Benedict equation
Historically, the most notable formula was the [[Harris–Benedict equation]], which was published in 1919:<ref name="Harris1918">{{cite journal |vauthors=Harris J, Benedict F |year=1918 |title=A Biometric Study of Human Basal Metabolism |journal=[[PNAS]] |volume=4 |issue=12 |pages=370–373 |bibcode=1918PNAS....4..370H |doi=10.1073/pnas.4.12.370 |pmc=1091498 |pmid=16576330|doi-access=free }}</ref>
: for men, <math>P = \left( \frac{13.7516 m}{1~\text{kg}} + \frac{5.0033 h}{1~\text{cm}} - \frac{6.7550 a}{1~\text{year}} + 66.4730 \right) \frac{\text{kcal}}{\text{day}},</math>
: for women, <math>P = \left( \frac{9.5634 m}{1~\text{kg}} + \frac{1.8496 h}{1~\text{cm}} - \frac{4.6756 a}{1~\text{year}} + 655.0955 \right) \frac{\text{kcal}}{\text{day}}.</math>

The difference in BMR for men and women is mainly due to differences in body mass. For example, a 55-year-old woman weighing {{convert|130|lb|kg}} and {{convert|66|in|cm|0}} tall would have a BMR of {{convert|1272|kcal|kJ}} per day.

;The revised Harris–Benedict equation
In 1984, the original Harris–Benedict equations were revised<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Roza AM, Shizgal HM |year=1984 |title=The Harris Benedict equation reevaluated: resting energy requirements and the body cell mass |url=http://www.balanseradstyrka.se/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/The-Harris-Benedict-equation-reevaluated-resting-energy-requirements-and-the-body-cell-mass..pdf |journal=[[The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition]] |volume=40 |issue=1 |pages=168–182 |pmid=6741850 |doi=10.1093/ajcn/40.1.168}}</ref> using new data. In comparisons with actual expenditure, the revised equations were found to be more accurate:<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Müller B, Merk S, Bürgi U, Diem P |year=2001 |title=Calculating the basal metabolic rate and severe and morbid obesity |journal=[[Praxis Journal of Philosophy|Praxis]] |volume=90 |issue=45 |pages=1955–63 |pmid=11817239}}</ref>
: for men, <math>P = \left( \frac{13.397 m}{1~\text{kg}} + \frac{4.799 h}{1~\text{cm}} - \frac{5.677 a}{1~\text{year}} + 88.362 \right) \frac{\text{kcal}}{\text{day}},</math>
: for women, <math>P = \left( \frac{9.247 m}{1~\text{kg}} + \frac{3.098 h}{1~\text{cm}} - \frac{4.330 a}{1~\text{year}} + 447.593 \right) \frac{\text{kcal}}{\text{day}}.</math>
It was the best prediction equation until 1990, when Mifflin ''et al.''<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO |year=1990 |title=A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals |journal=[[The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition]] |volume=51 |issue=2 |pages=241–247 |pmid=2305711|doi=10.1093/ajcn/51.2.241 }}</ref> introduced the equation:

;The Mifflin St Jeor equation
: <math>P = \left( \frac{10.0 m}{1~\text{kg}} + \frac{6.25 h}{1~\text{cm}} - \frac{5.0 a}{1~\text{year}} + s \right) \frac{\text{kcal}}{\text{day}},</math>
where ''s'' is +5 for males and −161 for females.

According to this formula, the woman in the example above has a BMR of {{convert|1204|kcal|kJ}} per day.
During the last 100&nbsp;years, lifestyles have changed, and Frankenfield ''et al.''<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Frankenfield D, Roth-Yousey L, Compher C |year=2005 |title=Comparison of predictive equations for resting metabolic rate in healthy, nonobese and obese adults: A systematic review |journal=[[Journal of the American Dietetic Association]] |volume=105 |issue=5 |pages=775–789 |doi=10.1016/j.jada.2005.02.005 |pmid=15883556}}</ref> showed it to be about 5% more accurate.

These formulas are based on body mass, which does not take into account the difference in metabolic activity between [[lean body mass]] and body fat. Other formulas exist which take into account lean body mass, two of which are the Katch–McArdle formula and Cunningham formula.

;The Katch–McArdle formula (resting daily energy expenditure)
The Katch–McArdle formula is used to predict resting daily energy expenditure (RDEE).<ref>{{cite book |last=McArdle |first=William |year=2006 |title=Essentials of exercise physiology |edition= 3rd |page=266 |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |isbn=978-0-7817-4991-6}}</ref>
The Cunningham formula is commonly cited to predict RMR instead of BMR; however, the formulas provided by Katch–McArdle and Cunningham are the same.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dunford |first1=Marie |last2=Doyle |first2=J. Andrew |year=2007 |title=Nutrition for Sport and Exercise |page=57 |publisher=Brooks/Cole |isbn=978-0-495-01483-6}}</ref>
: <math> P = 370 + 21.6 \cdot \ell,</math>
where '''''ℓ''''' is the lean body mass (''LBM'' in kg):
: <math> \ell = m \left( 1 - \frac{f}{100} \right),</math>
where '''''f''''' is the [[body fat percentage]].

According to this formula, if the woman in the example has a [[body fat percentage]] of 30%, her resting daily energy expenditure (the authors use the term of basal and resting metabolism interchangeably) would be 1262&nbsp;kcal per day.

===Research on individual differences in BMR===
The basic metabolic rate varies between individuals. One study of 150&nbsp;adults representative of the population in Scotland reported basal metabolic rates from as low as {{convert|1027|kcal|kJ}} per day to as high as {{convert|2499|kcal|kJ}}, with a mean BMR of {{convert|1500|kcal|kJ}} per day. Statistically, the researchers calculated that 62% of this variation was explained by differences in [[fat free mass]]. Other factors explaining the variation included [[fat mass]] (7%), age (2%), and [[experimental error]] including within-subject difference (2%). The rest of the variation (27%) was unexplained. This remaining difference was not explained by sex nor by differing tissue size of highly energetic organs such as the brain.<ref name="Johnstone">{{cite journal |vauthors=Johnstone AM, Murison SD, Duncan JS, Rance KA, Speakman JR, Koh YO |year=2005 |title=Factors influencing variation in basal metabolic rate include fat-free mass, fat mass, age, and circulating thyroxine but not sex, circulating leptin, or triiodothyronine |journal=[[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition]] |volume=82 |issue=5 |pages=941–948 |pmid=16280423 |doi=10.1093/ajcn/82.5.941|doi-access=free }}</ref>

A cross-sectional study of more than 1400 subjects in Europe and the US showed that once adjusted for differences in body composition (lean and fat mass) and age, BMR has fallen over the past 35 years.<ref name="speak">{{cite journal |vauthors=Speakman JR, et al. |year=2023 |title= Total daily energy expenditure has declined over the last 3 decades due to declining basal expenditure, not activity expenditure |volume=5 | pages=579–585 |journal=[[Nature Metabolism]] |issue=4 |doi=10.1038/s42255-023-00782-2|pmid=37100994|pmc=10445668 }}</ref> The decline was also observed in a [[meta-analysis]] of more than 150 studies dating back to the early 1920s, translating into a decline in total energy expenditure of about 6%.<ref name="speak"/>

==Biochemistry==
{| style="float:right;"  class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="2" | Energy expenditure breakdown<ref name=Durnin>{{cite journal|last1=Durnin|first1=JVGA|title=Basal metabolic rate in man|journal=Report to FAO/ WHO/UNU|date=1981|url=http://www.fao.org/3/m2845e/m2845e00.htm|publisher=[[Food and Agriculture Organization|FAO]]|location=Rome}}</ref>
|-
| [[Liver]]
 |27%
|-
| [[Brain]]
| 19%
|-
| [[Skeletal muscle]]
| 18%
|-
| [[Kidneys]]
| 10%
|-
| [[Heart]]
| 7%
|-
| Other [[Organ (anatomy)|organs]]
| 19%
|}
[[File:Postprandial thermogenesis.png|thumb|''Postprandial thermogenesis'' increases in basal metabolic rate occur at different degrees depending on consumed food composition.]]

About 70% of a human's total energy expenditure is due to the basal life processes taking place in the organs of the body (see table). About 20% of one's energy expenditure comes from physical activity and another 10% from [[thermogenesis]], or digestion of food (''postprandial thermogenesis'').<ref>{{Cite book |title=Exercise Physiology |edition= 2nd |first=William D. |last=McArdle |year=1986 |publisher=Lea & Febigier |location=Philadelphia}}{{Page needed|date=January 2012}}</ref> All of these processes require an intake of oxygen along with coenzymes to provide energy for survival (usually from macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and expel carbon dioxide, due to processing by the [[Krebs cycle]].

For the BMR, most of the energy is consumed in maintaining fluid levels in tissues through [[osmoregulation]], and only about one-tenth is consumed for [[work (physics)|mechanical work]], such as digestion, heartbeat, and breathing.<ref>{{cite book|author=Lisa Gordon-Davis|title=Hospitality Industry Handbook on Nutrition and Menu Planning|year=2004|page=112|publisher=Juta and Company Ltd|isbn=978-0-7021-5578-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhJNdB5Vw6AC&q=BMR+factors&pg=PA112}}</ref>

What enables the Krebs cycle to perform metabolic changes to fats, carbohydrates, and proteins is energy, which can be defined as the ability or capacity to do work. The breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules—associated with release of energy—is catabolism. The building up process is termed anabolism. The breakdown of proteins into amino acids is an example of catabolism, while the formation of proteins from amino acids is an anabolic process.

[[Exergonic reaction]]s are energy-releasing reactions and are generally catabolic. Endergonic reactions require energy and include anabolic reactions and the contraction of muscle. Metabolism is the total of all catabolic, exergonic, anabolic, and endergonic reactions.

[[Adenosine triphosphate]] (ATP) is the intermediate molecule that drives the exergonic transfer of energy to switch to endergonic anabolic reactions used in muscle contraction. This is what causes muscles to work which can require a breakdown, and also to build in the rest period, which occurs during the strengthening phase associated with muscular contraction. ATP is composed of adenine, a nitrogen containing base, ribose, a five carbon sugar (collectively called adenosine), and three phosphate groups. ATP is a high energy molecule because it stores large amounts of energy in the chemical bonds of the two terminal phosphate groups. The breaking of these chemical bonds in the Krebs Cycle provides the energy needed for muscular contraction.

===Glucose===
Because the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms in all carbohydrates is always the same as that in water—that is, 2 to 1—all of the oxygen consumed by the cells is used to oxidize the carbon in the carbohydrate molecule to form carbon dioxide. Consequently, during the complete [[oxidation]] of a glucose molecule, six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water are produced and six molecules of oxygen are consumed.

The overall equation for this reaction is

: <chem>C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O</chem>

(30–32 ATP molecules produced depending on type of mitochondrial shuttle, 5–5.33 ATP molecules per molecule of oxygen.)

Because the gas exchange in this reaction is equal, the [[respiratory quotient]] (R.Q.) for carbohydrate is unity or 1.0:

: <math chem>\text{R.Q.} = \frac{\ce{6 CO2}}{\ce{6 O2}} = 1.0.</math>

===Fats===
The chemical composition for fats differs from that of carbohydrates in that fats contain considerably fewer oxygen atoms in proportion to atoms of carbon and hydrogen. When listed on nutritional information tables, fats are generally divided into six categories: total fats, [[saturated fatty acid]], [[polyunsaturated fatty acid]], [[unsaturated fat|monounsaturated fatty acid]], dietary [[cholesterol]], and [[trans fatty acid]]. From a basal metabolic or resting metabolic perspective, more energy is needed to burn a saturated fatty acid than an unsaturated fatty acid. The fatty acid molecule is broken down and categorized based on the number of carbon atoms in its molecular structure. The chemical equation for metabolism of the twelve to sixteen carbon atoms in a saturated fatty acid molecule shows the difference between metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids. [[Palmitic acid]] is a commonly studied example of the saturated fatty acid molecule.

The overall equation for the substrate utilization of palmitic acid is

: <chem>C16H32O2 + 23 O2 -> 16 CO2 + 16 H2O</chem>

(106 ATP molecules produced, 4.61 ATP molecules per molecule of oxygen.)

Thus the R.Q. for palmitic acid is 0.696:

: <math chem>\text{R.Q.} = \frac{\ce{16 CO2}}{\ce{23 O2}} = 0.696.</math>

===Proteins===
Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen arranged in a variety of ways to form a large combination of [[amino acids]]. Unlike fat the body has no storage deposits of protein. All of it is contained in the body as important parts of tissues, blood hormones, and enzymes. The structural components of the body that contain these amino acids are continually undergoing a process of breakdown and replacement. The respiratory quotient for protein metabolism can be demonstrated by the chemical equation for oxidation of albumin:

: <chem>C72H112N18O22S + 77 O2 -> 63 CO2 + 38 H2O + SO3 + 9 CO(NH2)2</chem>

The R.Q. for albumin is 0.818:

: <math chem>\text{R.Q.} = \frac{\ce{63 CO2}}{\ce{77 O2}} = 0.818.</math>

The reason this is important in the process of understanding protein metabolism is that the body can blend the three macronutrients and based on the mitochondrial density, a preferred ratio can be established which determines how much fuel is utilized in which packets for work accomplished by the muscles. Protein catabolism (breakdown) has been estimated to supply 10% to 15% of the total energy requirement during a two-hour aerobic training session. This process could severely degrade the protein structures needed to maintain survival such as contractile properties of proteins in the heart, cellular mitochondria, myoglobin storage, and metabolic enzymes within muscles.

The oxidative system (aerobic) is the primary source of ATP supplied to the body at rest and during low intensity activities and uses primarily carbohydrates and fats as substrates. Protein is not normally metabolized significantly, except during long term starvation and long bouts of exercise (greater than 90 minutes.) At rest approximately 70% of the ATP produced is derived from fats and 30% from carbohydrates. Following the onset of activity, as the intensity of the exercise increases, there is a shift in substrate preference from fats to carbohydrates. During high intensity aerobic exercise, almost 100% of the energy is derived from carbohydrates, if an adequate supply is available.

===Aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise===
Studies published in 1992<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=1550061 |year=1992 |last1=Broeder |first1=CE |last2=Burrhus |first2=KA |last3=Svanevik |first3=LS |last4=Wilmore |first4=JH |title=The effects of aerobic fitness on resting metabolic rate |volume=55 |issue=4 |pages=795–801 |journal=The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition|doi=10.1093/ajcn/55.4.795 |doi-access=free }}</ref> and 1997<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=9029211 |year=1997 |last1=Smith |first1=DA |last2=Dollman |first2=J |last3=Withers |first3=RT |last4=Brinkman |first4=M |last5=Keeves |first5=JP |last6=Clark |first6=DG |s2cid=39769617 |title=Relationship between maximum aerobic power and resting metabolic rate in young adult women |volume=82 |issue=1 |pages=156–63 |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |doi=10.1152/jappl.1997.82.1.156}}</ref> indicate that the level of [[Aerobic respiration|aerobic]] fitness of an individual does not have any correlation with the level of resting metabolism. Both studies find that aerobic fitness levels do not improve the predictive power of fat free mass for resting metabolic rate.

However, recent research from the [[Journal of Applied Physiology]], published in 2012,<ref name="Schwingshackl L, Dias S, Strasser B, Hoffmann G 2013 e82853">{{cite journal| pmc=3866267 | pmid=24358230 | doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0082853 | volume=8 | issue=12 | title=Impact of different training modalities on anthropometric and metabolic characteristics in overweight/obese subjects: a systematic review and network meta-analysis | year=2013 | last1=Schwingshackl |first1=L|last2= Dias|first2= S|last3= Strasser|first3= B|last4= Hoffmann|first4= G | journal=PLOS ONE | page=e82853| bibcode=2013PLoSO...882853S | doi-access=free }}</ref> compared [[Strength training|resistance training]] and [[Aerobic exercise|aerobic training]] on body mass and fat mass in overweight adults (STRRIDE AT/RT). When time commitment is evaluated against health benefit, aerobic training is the optimal mode of exercise for reducing fat mass and body mass as a primary consideration, and resistance training is good as a secondary factor when aging and lean mass are a concern. Resistance training causes injuries at a much higher rate than aerobic training.<ref name="Schwingshackl L, Dias S, Strasser B, Hoffmann G 2013 e82853"/> Compared to resistance training, it was found that aerobic training resulted in a significantly more pronounced reduction of body weight by enhancing the cardiovascular system which is what is the principal factor in metabolic utilization of fat substrates. Resistance training if time is available is also helpful in post-exercise metabolism, but it is an adjunctive factor because the body needs to heal sufficiently between resistance training episodes, whereas the body can accept aerobic training every day. RMR and BMR are measurements of daily consumption of calories.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916|title = How much exercise do you really need?|website = [[Mayo Clinic]]}}</ref><ref name="Schwingshackl L, Dias S, Strasser B, Hoffmann G 2013 e82853"/> The majority of studies that are published on this topic look at aerobic exercise because of its efficacy for health and weight management.

[[Anaerobic exercise]], such as [[weight training|weight lifting]], builds additional muscle mass. Muscle contributes to the fat-free mass of an individual and therefore effective results from anaerobic exercise will increase BMR.<ref>{{cite journal |year=1986 |last1=Ravussin |first1=E |last2=Lillioja |first2=S |last3=Christin |first3=L |last4=Bogardus |first4=C |title=Determinants of 24-hour energy expenditure in man. Methods and results using a respiratory chamber |volume=78 |issue=6 |pages=1568–1578 |journal=The Journal of Clinical Investigation |doi=10.1172/JCI112749 |pmid=3782471 |last5=Bogardus |first5=C|pmc=423919 }}</ref> However, the actual effect on BMR is controversial and difficult to enumerate. Various studies<ref>{{cite journal |year=1994 |last1=Campbell |first1=W |last2=Crim |first2=M |last3=Young |first3=V |last4=Evans |first4=W |title=Increased energy requirements and changes in body composition with resistance training in older adults |volume=60 |pages=167–175 |journal=American Journal of Clinical Nutrition |pmid=8030593 |issue=2|doi=10.1093/ajcn/60.2.167 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |year=1994 |last1=Pratley |first1=R |last2=Nicklas |first2=B |last3=Rubin |first3=M |last4=Miller |first4=J |title=Strength training increases resting metabolic rate and norepinephrine levels in healthy 50- to 65-year-old men |volume=76 |pages=133–137 |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |pmid=8175496 |last5=Smith |first5=A |last6=Smith |first6=M |last7=Hurley |first7=B |last8=Goldberg |first8=A |issue=1|doi=10.1152/jappl.1994.76.1.133 |s2cid=2231943 }}</ref> suggest that the resting metabolic rate of trained muscle is around 55&nbsp;kJ/kg per day; it then follows that even a substantial increase in muscle {{nowrap|mass{{hsp}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}}}say {{nowrap|5 kg{{hsp}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}}}would make only a minor impact on BMR.

==Longevity==
{{See also|Heartbeat hypothesis}}
In 1926, [[Raymond Pearl]] proposed that [[longevity]] varies inversely with basal metabolic rate (the "rate of living hypothesis"). Support for this hypothesis comes from the fact that mammals with larger body size have longer [[maximum life span]]s (large animals do have higher total metabolic rates, but the metabolic rate at the cellular level is much lower, and the breathing rate and heartbeat are slower in larger animals) and the fact that the longevity of [[Drosophila melanogaster|fruit flies]] varies inversely with ambient [[temperature]].<ref>{{cite journal |pages=347–70 |doi=10.1016/0047-6374(76)90034-8 |title=Effects of temperature on ''the life'' span, vitality and fine structure of Drosophila melanogaster |year=1976 |last1=Miquel |first1=Jaime |last2=Lundgren |first2=Paul R. |last3=Bensch |first3=Klaus G. |last4=Atlan |first4=Henri |journal=Mechanisms of Ageing and Development |volume=5 |pmid=823384 |issue=5|s2cid=1744552 }}</ref> Additionally, the life span of houseflies can be extended by preventing physical activity.<ref>{{cite journal |pages=279–89 |doi=10.1016/0531-5565(75)90005-4 |title=Ambient temperature, physical activity and aging in the housefly, Musca domestica |year=1975 |last1=Ragland |first1=S.S. |last2=Sohal |first2=R.S. |journal=Experimental Gerontology |volume=10 |issue=5 |pmid=1204688|s2cid=36903433 }}</ref> This theory has been bolstered by several new studies linking lower basal metabolic rate to increased life expectancy, across the animal kingdom—including humans.  [[Calorie restriction]] and reduced thyroid hormone levels, both of which decrease the metabolic rate, have been associated with higher longevity in animals.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=17928583 | doi=10.1152/physrev.00047.2006 | volume=87 | issue=4 | title=Life and death: metabolic rate, membrane composition, and life span of animals |date=October 2007 |vauthors=Hulbert AJ, Pamplona R, Buffenstein R, Buttemer WA | journal=Physiol. Rev. | pages=1175–213}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pmid=20704872 |year=2005 |last1=Olshansky |first1=SJ |last2=Rattan |first2=SI |title=What determines longevity: Metabolic rate or stability? |volume=5 |issue=28 |pages=359–62 |journal=Discovery Medicine}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pages=2399–406 |doi=10.1101/gad.1366505 |pmid=16230529 |title=Metabolism, ubiquinone synthesis, and longevity |year=2005 |last1=Aguilaniu |first1=H. |journal=Genes & Development |volume=19 |issue=20|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=pmid19837933>{{cite journal |pages=4768–75 |doi=10.1210/jc.2009-0808 |title=Genetic Predisposition to Elevated Serum Thyrotropin is Associated with Exceptional Longevity |year=2009 |last1=Atzmon |first1=G. |last2=Barzilai |first2=N. |last3=Surks |first3=M. I. |last4=Gabriely |first4=I. |journal=Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism |volume=94 |issue=12 |pmid=19837933 |pmc=2795660}}</ref>{{Unreliable medical source|date=January 2012}}

However, the ratio of total daily [[energy]] expenditure to resting metabolic rate can vary between 1.6 and 8.0 between species of [[mammal]]s. Animals also vary in the degree of [[Chemiosmosis|coupling between oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production]], the amount of [[saturated fat]] in mitochondrial [[Outer mitochondrial membrane|membrane]]s, the amount of [[DNA repair]], and many other factors that affect maximum life span.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=12042467 |year=2002 |last1=Speakman |first1=JR |last2=Selman |first2=C |last3=McLaren |first3=JS |last4=Harper |first4=EJ |title=Living fast, dying when? The link between aging and energetics |volume=132 |issue=6 Suppl 2 |pages=1583S–97S |journal=The Journal of Nutrition|doi=10.1093/jn/132.6.1583S |doi-access=free }}</ref>

One problem with understanding the associations of lifespan and metabolism is that changes in metabolism are often confounded by other factors that may affect lifespan. For example under calorie restriction whole body metabolic rate goes down with increasing levels of restriction, but body temperature also follows the same pattern. By manipulating the ambient temperature and exposure to wind it was shown in mice and hamsters that body temperature is a more important modulator of lifespan than metabolic rate.<ref>{{cite journal|last= Zhao |first= Z.J.|author2= Cao, J.|author3= Niu, C.Q.|author4= Bao, M.H. |author5= Xu, J.Q.|author6= Huo, D.L.|author7= Liao, S.S.|author8= Liu, W. |author9= Speakman, J.R. |title= Body temperature is a more important modulator of lifespan than metabolic rate in two small mammals|journal= Nature Metabolism |year=2022|volume=4|issue=3|pages=320–26|doi=10.1038/s42255-022-00545-5 |pmid= 35288719 |s2cid= 247451455}}</ref>

==Medical considerations==
A person's metabolism varies with their physical condition and activity. [[Weight training]] can have a longer impact on metabolism than [[aerobic exercise|aerobic training]], but there are no known mathematical formulas that can exactly predict the length and duration of a raised metabolism from trophic changes with anabolic neuromuscular training.

A decrease in food intake will typically lower the metabolic rate as the body tries to conserve energy.<ref name="pmid24527265">{{cite journal |author1=Grattan BJ Jr |author2=Connolly-Schoonen J | title=Addressing weight loss recidivism: a clinical focus on metabolic rate and the psychological aspects of obesity | journal=ISRN Obesity| volume=2012 | year=2012 | page=567530 | doi=10.5402/2012/567530 | pmc=3914266   | pmid=  24527265 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Researcher Gary Foster estimates that a [[very low calorie diet]] of fewer than 800 calories a day would reduce the metabolic rate by more than 10 percent.<ref name="william">Whitman, Stacy "[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_1_23/ai_107488078/?tag=content;col1 The Truth about Metabolism]." ''Shape''. September 2003. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423092125/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_1_23/ai_107488078/?tag=content;col1 |date=2011-04-23 }}</ref>

The metabolic rate can be affected by some drugs: [[antithyroid agent]]s (drugs used to treat [[hyperthyroidism|hyper{{shy}}thyroid{{shy}}ism]]) such as [[propylthiouracil]] and [[methimazole]] bring the metabolic rate down to normal, restoring [[euthyroid]]ism.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} Some research{{Which|date=May 2021}} has focused on developing antiobesity drugs to raise the metabolic rate, such as drugs to stimulate [[thermogenesis]] in [[skeletal muscle]].{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

The metabolic rate may be elevated in [[fight-or-flight response|stress]], [[illness]], and [[diabetes mellitus|diabetes]]. [[Menopause]] may also affect metabolism.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Carr |first1=Molly C. |title=The emergence of the metabolic syndrome with menopause |journal=The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism |date=June 1, 2003 |volume=88 |issue=6 |pages=2404–2411 |doi=10.1210/jc.2003-030242 |pmid=12788835 |doi-access= |s2cid=12047475 }}</ref>

==See also==
{{col div|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Abnormal basal metabolic rate]]
* [[Field metabolic rate]]
* [[Harris–Benedict equation]]
* [[Black-body radiation#Human-body_emission|Human-body emission]]
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
* [[Metabolic age]]
* [[Metabolic syndrome]]
* [[Schofield equation]]
* [[Thermic effect of food]]

{{colend}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite journal |pmid=15630109 |year=2005 |last1=Tsai |first1=AG |last2=Wadden |first2=TA |title=Systematic review: An evaluation of major commercial weight loss programs in the United States |volume=142 |issue=1 |pages=56–66 |journal=Annals of Internal Medicine |doi=10.7326/0003-4819-142-1-200501040-00012|s2cid=2589699 }}
*{{cite journal |doi=10.1001/archinte.163.13.1524 |title=An 18-Year Follow-up of Overweight and Risk of Alzheimer Disease |year=2003 |last1=Gustafson |first1=D. |journal=Archives of Internal Medicine |volume=163 |issue=13 |pages=1524–8 |pmid=12860573 |last2=Rothenberg |first2=E |last3=Blennow |first3=K |last4=Steen |first4=B |last5=Skoog |first5=I|doi-access= }}
*{{cite journal |pmid=9771869 |year=1998 |title=Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults: Executive summary. Expert Panel on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight in Adults |volume=68 |issue=4 |pages=899–917 |journal=The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition|doi=10.1093/ajcn/68.4.899 |doi-access=free }}
*{{cite journal |last1=Segal |first1=Arthur C. |title=Linear Diet Model |journal=College Mathematics Journal |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=44–5 |year=1987 |doi=10.2307/2686315|jstor=2686315 }}
*{{cite book |last1=Pike |first1=Ruth L |last2=Brown |first2=Myrtle Laurestine |year=1975 |title=Nutrition: An Integrated Approach |edition= 2nd |location=New York |publisher=Wiley |oclc=474842663}}
*{{cite journal |doi=10.1046/j.1365-201X.1998.0298f.x |title=Energy supply and muscle fatigue in humans |year=1998 |last1=Sahlin |first1=K. |last2=Tonkonogi |first2=M. |last3=Soderlund |first3=K. |journal=Acta Physiologica Scandinavica |volume=162 |issue=3 |pages=261–6 |pmid=9578371}}
*{{cite book |last1=Saltin |first1=Bengt |last2=Gollnick |first2=Philip D. |year=1983 |chapter=Skeletal muscle adaptability: Significance for metabolism and performance |title=Handbook of Physiology |editor1-first=Lee D |editor1-last=Peachey |editor2-first=Richard H |editor2-last=Adrian |editor3-first=Stephen R |editor3-last=Geiger |location=Baltimore |publisher=Williams & Wilkins |pages=540–55 |oclc=314567389}} Republished as: {{cite book |doi=10.1002/cphy.cp100119 |chapter=Skeletal Muscle Adaptability: Significance for Metabolism and Performance |title=Comprehensive Physiology |year=2011 |last1=Saltin |first1=Bengt |last2=Gollnick |first2=Philip D. |isbn=978-0-470-65071-4}}
*{{cite journal |pmid=189574 |year=1976 |title=Muscle strength, fibre types and enzyme activities in man |volume=443 |pages=1–45 |journal=Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. Supplementum |author=Thorstensson}}
*{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1748-1716.1977.tb10373.x |title=Actomyosin ATPase, Myokinase, CPK and LDH in Human Fast and Slow Twitch Muscle Fibres |year=1977 |last1=Thorstensson |first1=Alf |last2=Sjödin |first2=Bertil |last3=Tesch |first3=Per |last4=Karlsson |first4=Jan |journal=Acta Physiologica Scandinavica |volume=99 |issue=2 |pages=225–9 |pmid=190869}}
*{{cite journal |doi=10.1007/BF02337175 |title=Hormonal and metabolic response to three types of exercise of equal duration and external work output |year=1985 |last1=Vanhelder |first1=W. P. |last2=Radomski |first2=M. W. |last3=Goode |first3=R. C. |last4=Casey |first4=K. |journal=European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology |volume=54 |issue=4 |pages=337–42 |pmid=3905393|s2cid=39715173 }}
*{{cite journal |pmid=13405829 |year=1957 |last1=Wells |first1=JG |last2=Balke |first2=B |last3=Van Fossan |first3=DD |title=Lactic acid accumulation during work; a suggested standardization of work classification |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=51–5 |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |doi=10.1152/jappl.1957.10.1.51}}
*{{cite book |last1=McArdle |first1=William D |last2=Katch |first2=Frank I |last3=Katch |first3=Victor L |year=1986 |title=Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance |url=https://archive.org/details/exercisephysiolo00mcar |url-access=registration |publisher=Lea & Febiger |location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0-8121-0991-7 |oclc=646595478}}
*{{cite journal |pmid=16576330 |year=1918 |last1=Harris |first1=JA |last2=Benedict |first2=FG |title=A Biometric Study of Human Basal Metabolism |volume=4 |issue=12 |pages=370–3 |pmc=1091498 |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |doi=10.1073/pnas.4.12.370|bibcode = 1918PNAS....4..370H |doi-access=free }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Basal Metabolic Rate}}
[[Category:Exercise physiology]]
[[Category:Metabolism]]
[[Category:Nutritional physiology]]
[[Category:Temporal rates]]