Mifflin-St Jeor Equation:
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The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is a widely used formula for calculating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which represents the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain basic physiological functions. It's considered one of the most accurate BMR equations for the general population.
The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the fact that men typically have higher muscle mass and metabolic rates than women, and that metabolism slows with age.
Details: Knowing your BMR is essential for weight management, creating effective diet plans, and understanding your body's energy requirements. It forms the basis for calculating Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) when combined with activity level.
Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms, height in centimeters, age in years, and select your gender. For accurate results, use recent measurements and be honest about your inputs.
Q1: What is the difference between BMR and RMR?
A: BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) measures energy expenditure at complete rest, while RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) is measured under less strict conditions. They are often used interchangeably, but BMR is typically slightly lower.
Q2: How accurate is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?
A: It's considered one of the most accurate equations for estimating BMR in healthy adults, with an accuracy of about ±10% for most people.
Q3: Why are there different equations for men and women?
A: Men generally have more muscle mass and less body fat than women of the same weight, which results in a higher metabolic rate.
Q4: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: You should recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ kg), or annually as you age, since metabolism changes with body composition and age.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for athletes or bodybuilders?
A: While it provides a good estimate, extremely muscular individuals may have higher BMRs than predicted due to increased muscle mass, which is more metabolically active than fat.