Ask Mary

There is more than one way to calculate BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) because science is always changing.   BMR is commonly calculated by either the Harris Benedict Equation or Mifflin-St Jeor Equation.  Both equations are very accurate for Caucasians of normal weight but less accurate for obese non-Caucasians. The Mifflin-St Jeor Equation is somewhat more reliable but the Harris Benedict Equation has been widely used for 90 years.  For the average person, BMR accounts for 75% of calories burned and physical activity and TEE account for the rest.  Read about BMR and metabolism in the Calorie Count library.