How would a doctor test your metabolism?

I'm curious. I'm hypo so its skewed anyway, but even though my meds have stabilised my levels I'd like to know if its slow or 'normal', but how do they check?

I thought I'd bump this post. I'm still curious. I've been to a dietitician who's advice was to eat my BMR for 3mths and go back to them. I've a few weeks left and I haven't lost 1lb. They calculated my BMR manually (book & calculator) but I know this would give a 'general' figure, and not one necessarily specific to me & my metabolism. How would they check if my metabolism is in fact normal?

I got mine checked a few months ago. They have this procedure where you can't eat for several hours prior to it. You lay down with this funny-looking mask over your head (my dad was watching me so I was embarrassed lol) and your heart and breathing rate has to remain stable for at least 10 minutes while they calculate. From the mask is a tube that connects to a machine. They type in your stats and the machine calculates you BMR according to them and whatever information is given as you breathe in and out of the mask.

Ahh. I wasn't sure if it was even possible? Thanks for replying. Did you find the test helpful?

I'm actually getting mine done on Friday.  It calculates your RMR (not BMR) which are pretty close, but RMR is seriously if you do not move at all, BMR is higher. They showed me the machines and stuff and it doesn't seem to bad. I will let you guys know feedback on Friday.

I think it will be helpful because I keep wondering what my true RMR is. I would rather just know that and use it as my calorie ("base") number and then add in the calories I burn. Ex: If my RMR ends up being 1300...and say I run 5 miles that day, and do some walking back and forth to classes and stuff, that would add in about 700 cals, bringing me to 2000 calories burned that day. As I am looking to maintain my weight, I would ahve to eat about 2000 cals that day... but see, it would all be different if my number is say 1000 or 16000...so we'll see!!

Original Post by mars_0112:

I got mine checked a few months ago. They have this procedure where you can't eat for several hours prior to it. You lay down with this funny-looking mask over your head (my dad was watching me so I was embarrassed lol) and your heart and breathing rate has to remain stable for at least 10 minutes while they calculate. From the mask is a tube that connects to a machine. They type in your stats and the machine calculates you BMR according to them and whatever information is given as you breathe in and out of the mask.

Mine was checked a few years back exactly this way. I felt like I was in a frickin gas mask or something. Lmao! Both of my parents were in the room. I had to get it done because I was getting checked up by a partial program (after leaving an ED clinic) I had been home for a few days so it was their way to see if I was keeping up with my calories and keeping my metabolism at length instead of being a hopeless cause. It was the weirdest damn thing. I wish I could get it done again (without the ED reason attached to it. :P)

Silentdeadlyrose- Yea, I had to get mine checked because of an ED too. It is uncomfortable lol!

Irishmum- yes, I did find the test helpful. It helped me a lot with deciding what my calorie needs were.

If it's thyroid, that would be a simple blood test.  The test where you fast, then drink a sweet solution, then have a blood test is called a glucose tolerance test, but that doesn't measure your metabolism.  I'm not sure what other factors of the metabolism can be tested.