When you’re sitting still, even asleep, your body is still working hard. That’s your resting metabolic rate, the number of calories your body burns at rest to keep basic functions like breathing, circulation, and cell repair running. Also known as basal metabolic rate, it makes up about 60-75% of your total daily energy expenditure. If you’ve ever wondered why two people eating the same amount of food lose weight at different rates, the answer often starts here.
Your resting metabolic rate isn’t just about age or gender—it’s shaped by muscle mass, thyroid function, genetics, and even the medications you take. For example, some drugs used for depression or thyroid disorders can slow it down. On the flip side, gaining even a few pounds of muscle can raise it noticeably. People with chronic conditions like hypothyroidism or type 2 diabetes often have lower resting metabolic rates, which makes weight management harder without targeted interventions. And while many focus on exercise to burn calories, the truth is, what happens when you’re not moving matters just as much.
Understanding your resting metabolic rate helps you make smarter choices about food, medication, and lifestyle. It’s not magic, but it’s science—and it’s personal. If you’re trying to lose weight, manage a chronic illness, or just feel less tired all day, knowing how your body uses energy at rest gives you real leverage. The posts below dig into how metabolism connects to medications like those for thyroid issues, how chronic diseases alter calorie burn, and what tools and tests can help you track your own numbers. You’ll find real-world advice on what affects your metabolism, what doesn’t, and how to work with your body—not against it.
Weight loss plateaus happen because your metabolism slows down in response to calorie restriction. Learn why this occurs, how to break through it with science-backed strategies, and what really works-beyond just eating less.
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