What is the Resting Metabolic Rate?

It is the number of calories a person uses at rest in a comfortable setting i.e. doing absolutely nothing. More specifically it covers basic physiological needs, like breathing, blood circulation and other biochemical reactions needed to keep you alive. Your RMR is generally 60-75% of your total daily caloric expenditure.

It is a good idea to know your RMR, especially as you are trying to lose or gain weight. To calculate the number of calories your body uses during an average day you need to multiply by an activity factor. See the Daily Calorie Needs calculator.