What is a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Test?

Metabolism is the process of converting food (calories) into energy. The efficiency with which your body does this is referred to as your metabolic rate. Many factors affect a person’s metabolic rate: weight, age, body composition, hormone levels, and gender making it a highly unique number.

Why Test your Metabolic Rate?

Understanding your body’s unique metabolic rate will allow your practitioner to customize your weight loss or maintenance program around your needs.

It can screen for a slowed metabolism that may explain frustrated attempts to lose weight in the past.

It can reveal changes in your metabolism during the weight loss process that can help trouble shoot a frustrating plateau.

Once you reach your goal, an RMR measurement can give you the precise caloric prescription for maintenance to help you sustain that goal weight.

How does the test work?

KORR Metabolic Analyzers utilize the same technology as ICU metabolic testing. Because every calorie a person consumes requires a fixed amount of oxygen to be converted to energy, the KORR Analyzer measures the oxygen you consume to calculate calories burned. All of the air exhaled by the patient must be collected to measure oxygen consumption. Two one-way valves in the KORR MetaBreather ensure that only fresh air is inhaled and all exhaled gas passes through the hose and into the machine. A nose-clip ensures that all exhaled air is analyzed.

Preparing for the Test

In order to get the most accurate results, it is important to follow the standard protocol for a Resting Metabolic Rate test:

1. You should avoid eating 4 hours before the test.

2. Avoid exercising prior to your test.

3. If possible, avoid the use of stimulants such as caffeine.

During the Test

During the test you will be invited to sit or recline in a comfortable position. You will be given a KORR MetaBreather mouthpiece to breathe in to. You will be breathing in air from the room, but the gas that you breathe out will go into the metabolic analyzer to measure your metabolic rate.

1. Relax and close your eyes during the test.

2. Keep lips sealed lightly around the MetaBreather. It is important that all the air you breathe out is analyzed.

3. In just 10 minutes, your metabolic rate will be measured.

Please see below a sample of our welcome letter to the weight management program.

We are excited that you have taken the first step toward improving your health and that you have invited us to partner with you on this journey. Our approach to medical weight management is similar to that of other chronic diseases, like asthma or high blood pressure. Treatment is tailored to your needs and may look different than someone else in our program. Success is dependent on many factors, including genetics, other health conditions, medication use, and your personal goals for long-term treatment.

Our staff promises to provide compassionate care that is non-judgmental and sensitive to your needs. We are committed to your medical safety along this journey, and we will monitor your health accordingly. As healthcare providers, we measure success not only by “pounds lost” but also by improvements in your laboratory work, vital signs, body composition, other chronic diseases, medical status, and quality of life.

Weight management includes weight loss and maintenance, and we recognize this is a challenging, lifelong endeavor. Along your journey, we will celebrate your successes and support you during difficult times. Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions and share with us any struggles you may have. For some patients, there may be many attempts at weight loss before lasting success is found, but we are committed to helping you find your success!