What is BMR?
​
The rate at which energy (calories) is used for the essential life functions is called Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).
Basal metabolism includes most of the involuntary things the human body does to support life – such as breathing, blood circulation, body temperature regulation, nervous system operations, and so on, but not the extra energy needed for any additional physical activity such as gym exercise.
​
In other words, if you are on bed/sofa all day with no fitness retreat, then you would need to eat at least the number of calories roughly equal to your BMR in order to maintain your normal body functions.
What is BMI?
​
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of your body weight based on your height and weight. Although your BMI does not actually measure your percentage of body fat, it is a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on your height.
​
Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic indicator to identify a person’s optimal weight depending on their height.
​
Your BMI number informs you if you are underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, due to the wide variety of body types, the distribution of muscle and bone mass, and so on, it is not appropriate to use this as the only or final indication for diagnosis.
BMI table for adults
This is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended body weight based on BMI values for adults. It is used for both men and women, age 18 or older. The Body mass chart for adults and the body mass chart for children is different. This is because body mass index is accounted differently based on age and growth spurts. Here is the BMI Chart for adults:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
BMI table for children
The BMI categorization for children under 18 is unique. There is a different methodology for minors when it comes to calculate BMI. This is due to children’s growth and metabolism changes as they get older. The BMI categorization for children and teens between age 2 and 18 can be seen in the following table: