Energy needs Flashcards
What is Basal metabolic rate (BMR) ?
BMR is the smallest amount of energy needed for you to stay alive - this is stuff like breathing and keeping your heart beating
How much energy does basic life processes (breathing and keeping your heart beating) take up each day ?
75% of energy we use each day
Other things like digestion and physical activity make up the rest
What factors affect a person’s BMR ?
- Age
- Sex
- Weight and height
- Exercise
Why does age affect a persons BMR ?
BMR decreases as we get older due to reduction of muscle mass
Why does sex affect a person’s BMR ?
Females, in general, have a lower BMR than males as they’re generally smaller and tend to have less muscle
Why does weight and height affect a person’s BMR ?
Heavier and larger bodies need more calories, so have a higher BMR
How does the amount the amount of excercise someone does affect their BMR ?
Regular exercise increases muscle mass which raises BMR
What does your physical activity level (PAL) measure?
It is a measure of how active you are/how much exercise you get
How do you work out your daily energy requirement ?
BMR x PAL
