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Metabolic Rate Test
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Most of us know someone who eats much much more than we do, yet that person never seems to gain weight. But you appear to survive on very little and still struggle to shed those extra kilograms. Sound familiar? Well it often comes back to Metabolic Rate - how fast your body burns the food and drinks you consume. If you have a slow metabolism, this may explain why it is hard for you to lose weight but really you had no way to prove this fact unless you were part of some research study at a uni. Your Resting Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Rate is unique to you - no one has the same metabolism as you have.
Now, you can have your Metabolic Rate measured . The test takes up to 60 minutes and needs you to lay down, relax and breathe normally. The biggest challenge is not to fall asleep! No exercise or treadmill or blood tests are involved.
Without any lingering doubt, you will discover exactly how fast or slow your metabolism is and how many calories (kilojoules) your body needs at rest. From there, your dietitian and personal trainer can establish a great plan to get your health and weight into better shape.
Our equipment is highly sensitive. The equipment we use is validated in scientific studies and is of research quality, but we are no longer taking bookings for this test due to clinic changes. So where else can you get the test conducted?
Metabolic rate tests are also conducted by Respiratory Laboratories - the same ones that test for sleep apnoea, asthma and other lung or breathing issues. You possibly have a specialist clinic in your area. A few exercise physiologists and dietitians also have equipment that measures metabolic rate.
But be sure to ask a few key questions when you book in for the test at these centres. These questions include:
- Does the test actually measure the RQ (Respiratory Quotient) or is an assumed RQ used? Whilst you don't need to know what RQ is all about, it is important that their equipment measures RQ and does not use an assumed RQ.
- Does the test measure both oxygen and carbon dioxide levels? If it doesn't do both, then it can't be measuring the RQ!
- How do you know when to stop the test? They should indicate that the machine or data set tells them when steady state has been achieved. It should not be automatic to always finish the test after 10-15 minutes.
- Do you have to do anything to prepare for the test? Yes you do! if they say you can do the test straight away or without any preparation, don't have it done! There are strict protocols in place to help ensure a valid test is run. This is a bit like having to fast for certain blood tests - if you don't, the result is wrong. Same with a metabolic rate test - if you enter the test incorrectly, then the results will be wrong. As a minimum, you need to fast, not exercise, and have no caffeine or other stimulants. The people running the test should give you strict instructions.
- Do I lie down or sit up to do the test? You should lie down (or at least be in a recliner chair that is lowered back towards lying position) to do the test as this is the most relaxed position. It best reflects resting position. Having the test run in an upright sitting position is invalid.
Watch this Metabolic Rate Video to see the test in action. Please be patient while it loads.
Please note that this test is not to be confused with a body composition test (BIA or bio-impedance assessment) which measures the amount of fat and lean tissue stored in your body. Some gyms and weight loss centres tell you that this BIA gear works out your metabolic rate, but the truth is these BIA machines use a theoretical formula to guesstimate your rate. They only measure your body fat, not your metabolism.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is often confused with the term Resting Energy Expenditure (REE). Speak with your dietitian or exercise expert about what these terms mean for you.