What Is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the biochemical process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy our bodies need to function. Metabolism is typically measured in kilocalories or, more commonly, calories.
Total metabolic rate represents the calories needed for maintaining body functions, daily activity (occupational and lifestyle), and the energy cost of exercise or planned activity.
What is RMR?
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the calories the body burns to maintain vital body functions (heart rate, brain function, breathing). In simple terms, it is the number of calories a person would burn if they were awake, but at rest all day.
RMR can represent up to 75% of a person’s total metabolism if they are inactive or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Why is it necessary to measure RMR?
Since RMR accounts for up to 75% of the total calories we need each day, it’s a critical piece of information to appropriately establish daily calorie needs, whether we’re trying to lose or maintain weight. Most healthcare and fitness professionals recognize that metabolism is impacted by a variety of characteristics such as fever, illness, high fitness, obesity, active weight loss, etc.
When managing a client or patient’s nutritional needs and calorie requirements, knowledge of RMR is critically important. Traditionally, healthcare professionals, who have not had access to measurement technology, have relied on estimates of RMR.
Because metabolism is different among individuals, estimating can lead to errors, and inaccurate calorie budgets. As a result of these estimates, individuals can be both over- or under-eating, and not be successful in reaching their personal goals. As technology advances, professionals must reassess their practices.
The most accurate assessment of caloric needs is by measuring oxygen consumption and determining individual metabolism. The BodyGem and MedGem devices by Microlife are tools that will provide information vital for determining a personalized calorie budget, based on individual metabolism, necessary to achieve and maintain proper weight and nutrition.
Additionally, the BodyGem and MedGem devices play a significant role in providing individual’s daily caloric needs to improve individual care through nutrition assessment.
How do you measure RMR?
Metabolic rate is traditionally assessed using either direct or indirect calorimetry. Direct calorimetry requires the precise measure of heat output using a large, expensive and technically complex whole body calorimeter. Indirect calorimetry determines metabolic rate from the oxygen consumption of an individual.
Oxygen consumption measurements are typically done with a medical device called a metabolic cart. These devices are relatively expensive, $20,000 – $50,000, require technical expertise to operate, and require routine maintenance and calibration.
The BodyGem and MedGem are handheld devices that can measure oxygen consumption and determine an individual’s caloric needs. Measuring oxygen consumption, rather than using population-based predictive equations, allows health and fitness professionals to make the most accurate decisions for their clients.
With a simple breath test of 10 minutes or less, an individual can now have their unique metabolism measured, for determination of a personalized calorie budget.
The Microlife BodyGem and MedGem indirect calorimetry devices measure your clients Resting Metabolic Rate, to optimize their weight loss results.
Instead of estimating RMR with the Harris-Benedict or Katch-McArdle formula, the BodyGem and MedGem scientifically measure a clients Metabolic Fingerprint, that is unique to them.
Estimation formulas cannot factor in thyroid issues, the effects of medications, etc.
For the best care, the American Dietetics Association recommends using indirect calorimetry to measure RMR for the most accurate assessment of nutritional needs.
The BodyGem and MedGem are the same type indirect calorimeter. They have the same functionality, accuracy and reliability.
The difference is that the MedGem is a FDA 510K-cleared, class II, medical device, which allows licensed clinicians to make insurance claims on their measurements.
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