We are told that woman and men should consume approximately 2000 and 2500 calories per day, respectively to maintain a healthy weight. Yet these numbers are based on values obtained from a sample of the average population (i.e. using a group of individuals and using these values to make unrealistic predictions on the rest of population). Experts in the fields of science / medicine know that metabolism is nowhere near this simple. In using these predictions of RMR there is a very good chance that the success of a weight loss programme will be left to chance. I have worked with many individuals over the last 10 years but if I provide just one example; two almost identical females (same height, body mass, body fat and age) one had a measured resting metabolic rate of 839 calories per day while the other measured at 1232 calories. Thus, the difference for one individual to the next can be around 393 calories per day or 12,183 calories per month. That’s equivalent to forty 30-minute exercise sessions or forty-eight California Rolls. Note this is only resting metabolic rate and there are of course other factors to consider generating a full picture of total daily energy expenditure including the thermic effect of food, the cost of exercise and the energy cost of generally everyday movement (i.e. office working or manual labor). Nevertheless, the RMR provides the biggest component of total daily energy expenditure and can be measured in our clinic quickly. Once established, the RMR can be used to guide energy intake, ensuring an energy deficit that will promote weight/fat loss. More importantly, this will be based on your metabolism and not values based on wide estimations. Thus, it is not left to guess work.
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