Body mass index or BMR is a number that reflects the weight of an individual compared to the population of their country. A high BMR means you have a higher metabolism due to your genetic make up and therefore, you are at a greater risk for obesity. A low BMR indicates that you are more likely to be underweight and have a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Since BMR varies from person to person, it is not reliable to use it to determine an individual’s weight. It can, however, be used to determine if you are at a higher or lower risk of obesity-related diseases.
How Can BMR Help Me Lose Weight?
The first and probably the most important recommendation for anyone who wants to use their BMR to lose weight is to consult with a doctor to determine their exact BMR value. This is because different diseases cause different BMR fluctuations. For instance, having a high BMR can indicate that you have hypothyroidism and are losing weight as a result of this. Severe depressive disorders and hyperthyroidism are also known to cause changes in BMR. These changes can be good or bad and depend on the degree of the disorder.
What Is the Meaning of My BMR?
Your BMR is a number that reflects the maximum amount of energy that your body can utilize to function normally. In general, an individual with a high BMR has a greater amount of stored energy in the form of fat while those with a low BMR have less available energy. This energy is usually generated from food that you eat. BMR measures the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds and have a BMR of 3000 calories, you will need to reduce your food intake by 500 calories per day to lose weight.
What Are The Possible Negative Consequences Of A High BMR?
As mentioned above, a high BMR indicates that you have a greater amount of energy stored as fat. This is a good thing, as long as you do not gain weight excessively. Excessive weight gain can cause serious problems. First, it can lead to heart disease and diabetes. High BMR is also associated with sleep apnea, which is a common cause of sleep disorders. People with high BMR are also more prone to acid reflux disease and may even develop stomach cancer. Some people with a high BMR can also become psychotic, which is a serious mental health disorder that can be treated with medication.
How Can I Improve My BMR?
There are various ways in which you can increase your BMR. In general, it is best to reduce your body fat. Another way to increase your BMR is to consume more food. The more food you eat, the more calories you will burn and, therefore, the higher your BMR will be. The best way to increase your BMR is through regular exercise, preferably, a form of cardio activity. Cardio activity increases your oxygen intake and, consequently, your body’s metabolism. It also helps to increase the number of active blood cells in your body, which in turn, increases your BMR. If you want to boost your BMR, then it is advisable to visit your doctor to have your blood pressure checked and to see if you are at a healthy weight range.
Since your BMR varies from person to person, it is not advisable to use it to determine your weight. Instead, it can be used to determine your weight risk by comparing your BMR to the recommended values given by the World Health Organization (WHO). These values range from 20 to 25 for women and between 20 and 30 for men. If your BMR is below these ranges, you are considered at a higher risk of becoming obese and suffering from related health problems. Consult with your doctor to find out your exact BMR value and the corresponding weight range that you should fall within.