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BMI vs BMR Calculator

BMI vs BMR Calculator: What Should be Your Focus?

8 min read
On your fitness journey or health check, you come across numerous terms, acronyms, and interesting jargon! One of them is BMI vs BMR. The OG battle between who’s who…ops sorry who’s whom, okay no, I was right earlier, maybe, I’m not ross! Come on.

BMI calculator and BMR calculator are used by doctors, nutritionists, fitness instructors, and dieticians. They are fundamental calculators or tools that assist in essential health assessments. BMI stands for Body Mass Index Calculator, while BMR refers to the Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator.

Both might seem similar, however, there is a huge difference between them. Let’s explore BMI and BMR in detail. This article will provide you complete information on such an ideal weight calculator and how much you should rely on them.

Bonus: Live BMI and BMR calculator in the blog created using ARForms!

Is There a Difference Between BMI vs BMR Calculator?

I understand why you might think both of them are somewhat similar. They both start with the same initial letters. B and M, to be specific. Interestingly, not only are they completely different, but they also have distinct full-form words. Let us understand the key difference between BMI vs BMR.

BMI (Body Mass Index) is basically a calculator that tracks your body weight with reference to your height. It has very traditionally defined categories of Underweight, Normal Weight, Overweight, or Obese.

Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR is the number of calories that your body burns on a day to day basis. This resting metabolic rate calculator gives the amount of calories that your body burns to perform functions like breathing, cell production, or circulation.

BMI gives you a basic overview of your weight status while BMR gives insights into calories burnt at rest so that you can manage your daily calorie consumption.

What is a BMI Calculator?

A body mass index calculator follows a very simple formula using your height and weight. Based on the results, you would fall in one of the categories of being underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Here is the formula for BMI.
How To Mesure BMI Calculator
Let’s take an example. If a person weighs 70 kg and is 1.60 meters tall, their BMI would be 27.34 that falls within the “normal weight” range.

Well, such a measurement in BMI vs BMR works as an initial screening to identify any potential risks or health issues.

However, factors like muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, and profession are also important. Thus, this measurement is just a starting point and not a marksheet of your overall health.

Try the BMI Calculator Right Here:



What is the Standard BMI Chart

Here is the standard BMI test chart to compare your results. Remember that this is a ‘standardized’ chart for a basic start.

BMI RangeCategory
Below 18.5Underweight
18.5 - 24.9Normal weight
25.0 - 29.9Overweight
30.0 and aboveObese

This calculator is a great guideline for the general population. But for people with higher muscle mass, bone density, or athletes, they can be classified as overweight. So, a proper lab test to determine your muscle mass and bone density is essential for a clear idea.

What is a BMR Calculator?

The calories your body utilizes while working out are not the only calories used by your body. Even while at rest, your body continues to burn calories.

This is the basal metabolism calculator. It calculates the calories you need to maintain essential daily functions, such as keeping your heart beating and breathing.

The formula for BMR is typically measured using a Harris Benedict Calculator or Equation. It is separate for Men and Women just like the difference in calorie consumption between both.

The Harris Benedict Equation for Calculating Basal Metabolic Rate


How To Mesure BMR Calculator

So technically, the number of calories gained as an answer to this equation is the number of calories needed even when you are not active at all. Yes, even if you sleep the whole day.

How Does a Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator Help?

The BMR number helps you ascertain the number of calories that you would need to consume to maintain or change your body fat.

To “lose weight” you would need to eat less than your BMR+Daily Caloric Spend in Workouts and Other Activities.

To “gain weight”, you would need to eat more than your BMR+Daily Caloric Spend in Workouts and Other Activities.

Naturally, to maintain your “ideal body weight” you would need to eat equal to your BMR+Daily Caloric Spend in Workouts and Other Activities.

Here, I’ve placed quotes around certain words because "losing" or "gaining" weight is a concept largely influenced by advertising. You must focus on building muscle that eventually burns your fat stores.

Now, in gaining muscle and losing fat, you can get more lean but not have your weight changed because of the increased muscle mass. Similarly, ideal body weight as well is a subjective topic and depends on a lot of factors and must not be mistaken.

Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator Online (Harris Benedict Equation)



What Should You Follow: BMI Calculator vs BMR Calculator?


Well, between the numbers of BMI vs BMR, what to follow?
  • Use BMI for general health check and get an idea whether you are in a healthy weight range. Your health can seem different so pair BMI with other clinical tests of muscle mass and bone density.
  • BMR calculator is a helpful tool to help plan your diet, workouts, and nutrition. Based on your lifestyle, you can determine your daily caloric intake to alter your body composition or to maintain it.
In the BMI vs BMR discussion, both are important. The meaning and utility of both are separate and support separate requirements.

Things to Keep in Mind for Ideal Body Weight

BMI vs BMR are just a part of the bigger picture of health and fitness. They are good indicators to guide you in your journey. However, factors like muscle mass, body composition,

When considering your ideal body weight, it’s important to remember that BMI and BMR are just part of the picture. Factors like muscle mass, body composition, and lifestyle also play a role in defining a healthy weight.

Your ideal body weight is the one wherein you feel lighter, confident, active, and flexible. What you need to answer here is:
  • Can I climb at least 4-5 floors with ease?
  • Can I sit down and get up on my own without support?
  • Am I able to sit comfortably for an extended period without back support?
  • Do I wake up feeling refreshed and energized after a full night’s sleep?
  • Am I able to balance on one foot for at least 10 seconds?
  • Do I eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains?
  • Is my breathing steady and smooth during light physical activity?
  • Do I schedule regular check-ups to ensure my health is on track?
  • Am I able to participate in sports activities and enjoy myself comfortably?
These are the questions that make your day to day life more comfortable, cheerful, and overall happy. If you tick boxes here, you do not need any number to define your worth, remember that okay sweetheart.

Everything About BMI vs BMR Concluded


From understanding what each BMI calculator and BMR calculator means to calculating it on the page itself, this blog is a complete guide. You must understand the theory of BMI and BMR calculators.

It will help you focus well on your journey of a healthy lifestyle. And remember, it’s not about reaching a specific number, it’s about how you feel during the whole day while doing the work and activities you love.

You decide your ideal weight and a healthy BMI range to be in, okay.

FAQs

1. What is a healthy BMI for women?

Generally, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy BMI. The same range is also an ideal BMI for men. Using an online BMI calculator app, you can ascertain your BMI range and focus on your health journey.

2. How do you calculate BMI?

BMI is calculated using a standard formula that considers height and weight. You have to divide your weight in kgs by the square of your height in meters, simple. Use the on page BMI calculator here and compare it with the given chart for quick results.

3. What is my metabolic rate?

Your basal metabolic rate or BMR can be calculated using a standard Harris Benedict Equation. It is the amount of calories that your body burns at rest to perform daily functions like breathing and pumping blood. Use the on page BMR calculator right here to know your metabolic rate.

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Brian Denim

Brian is a WordPress expert with a decade of dev experience, a knack for technical writing, a film buff, and an outdoor enthusiast.

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