Resting Metabolic Rate Test: What Your Results Really Tell Us

Resting metabolic rate test a useful marker

“Can I speed up my metabolism?” It’s one of the most common questions I get. The answer isn’t found in fad diets — it’s in resting metabolic rate testing (RMR).

As a dietitian, I use RMR to guide clinical care for patients with weight management, malnutrition, and chronic illness.

As an expert witness, I’ve seen how RMR data can also play a role in negligence and personal injury claims. Let’s break it down.

Rick Miller Dietitian, conducts a resting metabolic rate test on a patient

What Is Resting Metabolic Rate?

• RMR = energy your body burns at rest (organs, brain, heart, breathing).

• Usually 60–70% of total daily energy expenditure.

• Measured via indirect calorimetry (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).

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Why RMR Testing Matters in Clinical Care

• Weight management: Identifies true calorie needs.

• Eating disorders: Helps guide safe refeeding.

• Chronic illness: Tailors nutrition support in cancer, COPD, neurological disease.

• Athletes & executives: Optimises fuelling for performance.

Without RMR testing, clinicians may over- or under-feed patients, leading to harm.

Case Insight: Weight Change & Negligence

In medico-legal cases, RMR data may:

• Support claims where malnutrition was overlooked.

• Demonstrate metabolic changes post-injury (e.g., burns, trauma).

• Show inappropriate dietary advice caused harm (e.g., over-restriction in vulnerable patients).

Example: A patient recovering from head injury was underfed for months. RMR testing later showed their needs were 40% higher than estimated. The failure to measure or adjust contributed to weight loss and prolonged rehabilitation.

Common Myths About Metabolism

❌ “You can hack metabolism with fat-burning foods.”

❌ “Metabolism slows dramatically at 30.”

✅ Reality: RMR changes are gradual, but lifestyle, muscle mass, illness, and hormones are bigger drivers.

FAQs

Is RMR testing invasive? No — it’s a simple 15–20 minute breathing test.

Can online calculators replace RMR? Not accurately. Equations can be off by a ;arge margin.

Why is this relevant to law? Because missed or incorrect nutrition prescriptions (based on poor estimates) can delay recovery, worsen outcomes, or even cause long-term damage.

Closing Thought

Your metabolism isn’t “fast” or “slow” — it’s measurable. For patients, knowing your RMR means personalised care. For solicitors, it can be the data that proves whether nutrition care was adequate or negligent.