BMR:
The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy required by the body at complete rest to
maintain its basic functions (e.g. while lying in bed for 24 hours). This value largely depends on
weight, height and age. It is displayed on the diagnostic scale in kcal/day units using the scientifically
recognized Harris-Benedict formula.
Your body requires this amount of energy in any case and it must be reintroduced into your body in
the form of nutrition. If you take on less energy over the longer term, this can be harmful to your
health.
AMR:
The active metabolic rate (AMR) is the amount of energy required daily by the body in its active state.
The energy consumption of a human being rises with increasing physical activity and is measured on
the diagnostic scale in relation to the degree of activity entered (1-5).
To maintain your existing weight, the amount of energy used must be reintroduced into the body in
the form of food and drink. If less energy is introduced than is used over a longer period of time, your
body will obtain the difference largely from the amount of fat stored and your weight will reduce. If,
on the other hand, over a longer period of time more energy is introduced than the total active meta-
bolic rate (AMR) calculated, your body will be unable to burn off the excess energy, and the excess
will be stored in the body as fat and your weight will increase.
Results in relation to time
Note that it is only the long-term trend which counts. Short period fluctuations in weight over a few
days are mostly the result of a loss of fluid.
The interpretation of the results will depend on changes in your:
overall weight and body fat, body water and muscle percentages, as well as on the period during
which these changes take place. Rapid changes within days must be distinguished from medium term
changes (over weeks) and long term changes (months).
A basic rule is that short term changes in weight almost exclusively represent changes in water con-
tent, whereas medium and long term changes may also involve the fat and muscle percentages.
• If your weight reduces over the short term, but your body fat percentage increases or remains the
same, you have merely lost water – e.g. after a training session, sauna session or a diet restricted
only to rapid weight loss.
• If your weight increases over the medium term and the body fat percentage falls or stays the same,
then you could have built up valuable muscle mass.
If your weight and body fat percentage fall simultaneously then your diet is working – you are losing
fat mass. Ideally you should support your diet with physical activity, fitness or power training. By this
means, you can increase your muscle percentage over the medium term.
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