The short answer
RMR is measured with indirect calorimetry: you relax in a seated or reclined position and breathe normally into a mouthpiece for about 10–15 minutes while an analyzer measures how much oxygen you consume, which is used to calculate how many calories you burn at rest.
Every calorie your body burns requires a fixed amount of oxygen, so measuring oxygen use tells us your energy expenditure. No exercise is involved.
The test at Body Fat USA
- We use a KORR metabolic analyzer with a new, single-use mouthpiece for every client.
- One-way valves ensure you only inhale fresh room air and every exhaled breath goes to the analyzer; a nose clip keeps the measurement complete.
- You relax with your eyes closed for about 10–15 minutes.
- The whole appointment takes about 20 minutes and costs $100 ($175 with a DEXA scan).
Related questions
Body Fat USA offers $85 DEXA body composition scans and $100 RMR metabolic tests in Denver (both for $175), with reports emailed in about 5 minutes. See all FAQs
