Do you know someone who seems to eat much much more than you 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 operates and how much fuel (kilojoules or calories) it needs.
Your Resting Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Rate is unique to you - no one has the same metabolism as you have. A slow metabolism may explain why it is hard for you to lose weight and the only way to check that is to 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 exercise expert can establish a great plan to get your health and weight into better shape.
Metabolic rate testing equipment is highly sensitive. The equipment I use is validated in scientific studies and is of research quality but I 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.
If you are planning to get tested, be sure to ask a few key questions when you book in for the test at these centres. There are a load of sham fake metabolic rate tests on offer.
Ask these questions before you book:
Please note that this test is not to be confused with a body composition test (BIA or bio-impedance assessment or Dexa scan) which measures the amount of fat and lean tissue stored in your body. Some gyms and weight loss centres tell you that this BIA/Dexa gear works out your metabolic rate but the truth is these machines use a calculator, a theoretical 'average fit' mathematical formula, to guesstimate your rate. They measure your body composition (fat and muscle), 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.