Why can changes in BMR affect us?
Basal metabolic rate is an important tool used to determines factors like energy homeostasis and activity levels. BMR affects body composition in relation to macronutrient intake. There are gender specific variations in BMR that affect lean body mass. In this section we will review some important aspects of BMR.
How can we determine BMR and what can we use it for?
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and indirect calorimetry can help determine body composition and Basal metabolic rate.
With BMR and lean body mass we can predict daily energy intake.
Macronutrient & Gender differences:
Higher protein intake in diet was associated with an inverse relationship to waist circumference.
Waist circumference is an important tool used in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.
The protein leverage hypotheses suggest that humans may vary their food intake based on their protein intake. This suggests that they may consume more food at times in an effort to balance their protein balance.
Higher protein diets were associated with a lower glycemic index and improvement in weight maintenance. It is important to note that both males and females distribute fat differently with respect to macronutrient intake.
There was a positive correlation between lean body mass and protein intake in women as opposed to men.
Weight maintenance is tightly regulated with energy intake and energy expenditure.
Energy expenditure is linked in turn with body composition.
Studies have shown that a lean body mass or fat free mass can affect your food intake and also your energy expenditure—this helps regulate body weight.
In the above section we have reviewed BMR and other factors involved in our energy balance. As always, I wish that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
