Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing
Find out exactly how many calories your body burns at rest — measured directly through gas-exchange indirect calorimetry, the gold standard, not estimated from a formula built on population averages.
Why not use an online calculator?
Formulas like Mifflin-St Jeor estimate your metabolism from age, sex, height, and weight — averages, not you. Actual resting metabolism can vary substantially between two people with identical stats. RMR testing measures yours directly.
Fat burner or sugar burner?
Your Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) shows what fuel your body is defaulting to at rest — useful context for anyone adjusting a nutrition plan around fat loss or performance.
Built for counting calories
If your goal is losing, maintaining, or gaining weight with any precision, your measured RMR is the real starting number your target should be built from — not a guess.
11–20 minutes, relaxed in a chair
- You'll wear a mask over your nose and mouth and a small heart rate monitor on one finger.
- No activity required — you simply relax without falling asleep.
- No specific clothing needed for this test.
- Total appointment time is about 30 minutes.
Prep matters for accuracy
Fast for at least 5–6 hours before your test — water only. An overnight fast with an early appointment is easiest.
- Avoid caffeine the day of your test.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours prior.
- Skip intense exercise for at least 24 hours prior — afterburn (EPOC) can skew results.
- Get a normal night's sleep beforehand.
See full pre-test protocols on the Test Prep page →
Get your real number
RMR testing is FSA/HSA eligible. Bundle it with DEXA and VO2 Max to save $30 total.