What are resting metabolic rate (RMR) and personal activity level (PAL)?

The number of calories you burn each day at rest is estimated using a standard formula based on height, weight, age and gender (the Mifflin equation). This equation produces what is known as a resting metabolic rate (RMR).

The Mifflin equation provides a good approximation of RMR for most people; however, individual metabolisms can and do vary. Your daily calories burned are estimated by multiplying your RMR by your personal activity level (PAL).

The Mifflin equation assumes that one’s PAL is sedentary to light (e.g. a typical office worker). This PAL corresponds to the following set of daily activities:

  • Sleeping – 8 hours
  • Personal care (dressing, showering) – 1 hour
  • Eating – 1 hour
  • Cooking – 1 hour
  • Sitting (office work, selling produce, tending shop) – 8 hours
  • Driving car to/from work – 1 hour
  • General household work – 1 hour
  • Light leisure activities (watching TV, talking) – 3 hours

July 23, 2020 | Comments Off