Glossary
Resting Metabolic Rate
Updated February 28, 2026
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the energy burned at rest while awake in a relaxed state and is interpreted alongside Heart Rate Zones to keep estimates realistic.
BMR vs RMR
| Feature | BMR | RMR |
|---|---|---|
| Test conditions | Strict lab baseline | Practical rest |
| Typical value | Slightly lower | Slightly higher (≈3–10%) |
| Use in apps | Less common | More common |
Drift drivers
| Driver | Effect direction |
|---|---|
| Weight change | alters base burn with tissue shifts |
| Long deficits | can reduce resting output over time |
| Severe training load | temporary elevation or suppression by recovery state |
| Thyroid or hormonal shifts | broad metabolic movement |
Recalibration workflow
| Trigger | Recalibration step |
|---|---|
| Sudden trend stalls | review logs and compare to behavior windows |
| sustained weight loss or gain | reset estimates after 4 to 6 weeks |
| repeated training surges | check assumptions before changing base inputs |
RMR is the base layer for total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and is often estimated instead of strict basal metabolic rate (BMR). It changes slowly with body mass and body composition.