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title: "Resting Metabolic Rate Definition & Meaning | infoMD Health Glossary"
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# Resting Metabolic Rate

rest·ing met·a·bol·ic rate - REST-ing met-ah-BOL-ik rayt

## Definition

Resting [metabolic rate](/glossary/metabolism) (RMR) is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic physiological functions - including breathing, circulating blood, regulating body temperature, maintaining organ function, and supporting cellular repair. RMR accounts for approximately 60-75% of total daily energy expenditure, making it by far the largest component of your calorie burn. The remaining energy expenditure comes from physical activity (15-30%) and the thermic effect of food (approximately 10%).

RMR is closely related to but slightly different from basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is measured under strict conditions - after an overnight fast, in a temperature-controlled room, upon waking. RMR is measured under slightly less restrictive conditions and is typically 10-20% higher than BMR. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably.

The primary determinants of RMR include lean body mass (muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat), body size (larger bodies have higher RMR), age (RMR declines approximately 1-2% per decade), sex (males typically have higher RMR due to greater muscle mass), [thyroid](/glossary/thyroid) function, and genetics. Understanding RMR is valuable for weight management, as it provides a baseline for calculating total caloric needs.

## Also Known As

RMR Resting energy expenditure REE 

## Key Facts

-   • RMR accounts for 60-75% of total daily calorie burn - far more than exercise in most people. 
-   • Muscle tissue burns approximately 6 calories per pound per day at rest, while fat tissue burns about 2. 
-   • RMR can be accurately measured through indirect calorimetry - a test that analyzes oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. 
-   • Crash dieting can temporarily reduce RMR by 15-20% through adaptive thermogenesis - the body's starvation defense mechanism. 
-   • Adding 10 pounds of muscle would increase RMR by approximately 60 calories per day. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

Understanding your RMR is valuable for developing realistic weight management strategies. If you've struggled with weight loss despite calorie restriction, your RMR may have adapted downward. Indirect calorimetry testing, available at many medical and fitness facilities, can provide your actual RMR rather than relying on potentially inaccurate estimation formulas.

The most effective strategy for maintaining or increasing RMR is building and preserving lean muscle mass through resistance training - particularly important as you age. Adequate protein intake, consistent meal timing (avoiding prolonged severe restriction), quality sleep, and [thyroid](/glossary/thyroid) health all support optimal RMR.

## Related Terms

[Metabolism](/glossary/metabolism)[BMI](/glossary/bmi)[Macronutrients](/glossary/macronutrients)[Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone](/glossary/thyroid-stimulating-hormone)

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[![Intermittent Fasting: What the Science Actually Says](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504674900247-0877df9cc836?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&fm=webp)](/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-science)

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### Intermittent Fasting: What the Science Actually Says

2025-09-01

## Sources

1.  [Resting Metabolic Rate](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532950/) - StatPearls / PubMed
2.  [Metabolism and Weight Loss](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508) - Mayo Clinic
3.  [Understanding Your Metabolism](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-metabolism) - Harvard Health Publishing

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