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Resting Mentabolic Rate--It May Not Be What You Think

Linda PatchLinda Patch
in General Training Discussions

Hi All,

I posted this in the women's forum, but figured it's more than the chica population that might be interested in this...

I had my resting metabolic rate (RMR) tested this morning. I have been confused about this 5-7 lb weight gain that came out of nowhere. It has been impossible to get back to my good racing weight that I easily held for many years. Then--AHA!--I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a couple of months ago, and all the pieces fit. With the diagnosis, however, I was baffled about how the heck to approach my calorie intake--the meds are helping regulate my system, but it is legendarily hard to get weight off with hypo regardless. I figured if I got my real RMR, it would help.

Nutritionists I've talked to (including our own Penny Wilson), estimate my RMR, given my age etc., at ~1300 calories/day. Know what it really is? Drummmmrollllll....1080!!! OMG, that's NOTHING! It's a drag, but the good news is that if I continue to watch it, I will likely stay where I am, which is far from overweight. I can live with that, and with diligence and time I will slowly get back to race weight. I'm glad I did the test. I see that I have to track my intake very closely, minimize wasted calories, and concentrate on true nutrition--which, if you think about it, is a silver lining.

If you are confused about a struggle with the scale, maybe you are overestimating your RMR? (Also get yourself tested to thyroid et al to rule out that complication.) I went to a local nutritionist who has the MedGem device (Penny Wilson recommends it too) to have the test. It took 10' and was $60. If you are interested in finding a provider in your area, the MicroLife website has a place to plug in your zip code.

I hope this is helpful to a few of my EN friends out there!  

Comments

  • jetskrjetskr
    Linda,

    I wonder what the cause of the drop was. Was it the hypothyroidism or was it always that low? I'm guessing the original number is probably an average. Would our incredibly active lifestyles tend towards the lower end of that average?

    Every learned thing leads to more questions and more learning. Part of what I love about this sport! image
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    I'd be interested in the science behind the testing. How accurate are the tests? I had mine done about 5 years ago and there seemed to be quite a lot of fudging of data in the back ground. I had to lay perfectly still for a period of time (5 - 10 mins?) and then breathe into the mask for a longer period of time. I remember them looking at the data afterwards and excluding parts that didn't seem to fit the analysis. At the time I recall thinking it odd they gave me a vey precise answer when I would think a range would be more appropriate. Anyway, my gut reaction at the time was to be a little skeptical at the time. I haven't been back. I haven't explored the science since but would love to hear others.

    As an aside, it always seems easier to measure calories out than calories in, so the bathroom scale, averaged over a couple of days always seems to be the best device for me.
  • HayesSanbornHayesSanborn

    I feel your pain Linda...I've had it done twice. I'm at 1200!!!!!! I have very little muscle mass....Its not wonder I balloon up when I'm not Tri-ing...

    I was tested on the new leaf system.

  • Linda PatchLinda Patch

    @ Jeff--I think it's a combo of being an aging female, and now the hypo. I've always been able to get weight off pretty easily, stay trim, yet eat with some freedom. I do know there's been a HUGE shift for me, and even though I am far from heavy, I do not want 5 lbs. to turn into 10, into 15, etc. It's now about damage control, and getting a handle on eating the best I can.

    @Hayes--hey, slo-mo Bro! image She did mention the importance now of me getting back into the weight room. Building more muscle mass will only help fire everything up. Since joining EN, I have not lifted weights once. Back at it after IMWI, that's for sure.

    @Tom--I too take it all with a grain. Penny Wilson recommends the system, however, and uses one in her practice. I figure it gives me a bit of a better sense of where I'm at than an on-line calculator. image All I know is that I have tracked every single mouthful for 8 weeks now, eating better than I have in decades--with a healthy occasional fall-off-the-rails binge that we all need. Given proper vigilance and enough calories, my weight will not budge, except to go up. Unless you live this, it's hard to believe. No fun.

    I have a consult with Penny coming up, so she'll shed some light I'm sure. All thoughts welcome. image

     

     

  • penlynwilsonpenlynwilson
    Posted By Tom Glynn on 04 May 2010 11:57 AM

    I'd be interested in the science behind the testing. How accurate are the tests? I had mine done about 5 years ago and there seemed to be quite a lot of fudging of data in the back ground. I had to lay perfectly still for a period of time (5 - 10 mins?) and then breathe into the mask for a longer period of time. I remember them looking at the data afterwards and excluding parts that didn't seem to fit the analysis. At the time I recall thinking it odd they gave me a vey precise answer when I would think a range would be more appropriate. Anyway, my gut reaction at the time was to be a little skeptical at the time. I haven't been back. I haven't explored the science since but would love to hear others.



    As an aside, it always seems easier to measure calories out than calories in, so the bathroom scale, averaged over a couple of days always seems to be the best device for me.

    Hi Tom:

    Depending on the device and how the measurement was taken, they can be accurate or not.  Most of the devices have been shown to be very accurate.  I'm not sure which was used in yours, but Linda had hers done with either the BodyGem or the MedGem.  Both have been demonstrated to be highly accurate and correlated with a hospital-grade metabolic cart.  I know that mine measured very similar with both pieces of equipment.  They work by using the respiratory quotent (RQ) - the amount of oxygen intake compared to carbon dioxide expired.   Here is a link to a study showing their accuracy: http://www.microlifeusa.com/pdfs/medgem_validation.pdf. ; The MedGem is reimbursable by most insurance carriers, too.

    The BodyGem has been a very valuable addition to my practice.

     

     

  • DocHoffartDocHoffart
    Very interesting concept and thread. Thanks for starting this Linda.

    Vince
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    Posted By Penny Wilson on 05 May 2010 08:24 PM
    Posted By Tom Glynn on 04 May 2010 11:57 AM

    I'd be interested in the science behind the testing. How accurate are the tests? I had mine done about 5 years ago and there seemed to be quite a lot of fudging of data in the back ground. I had to lay perfectly still for a period of time (5 - 10 mins?) and then breathe into the mask for a longer period of time. I remember them looking at the data afterwards and excluding parts that didn't seem to fit the analysis. At the time I recall thinking it odd they gave me a vey precise answer when I would think a range would be more appropriate. Anyway, my gut reaction at the time was to be a little skeptical at the time. I haven't been back. I haven't explored the science since but would love to hear others.



    As an aside, it always seems easier to measure calories out than calories in, so the bathroom scale, averaged over a couple of days always seems to be the best device for me.

    Hi Tom:

    Depending on the device and how the measurement was taken, they can be accurate or not.  Most of the devices have been shown to be very accurate.  I'm not sure which was used in yours, but Linda had hers done with either the BodyGem or the MedGem.  Both have been demonstrated to be highly accurate and correlated with a hospital-grade metabolic cart.  I know that mine measured very similar with both pieces of equipment.  They work by using the respiratory quotent (RQ) - the amount of oxygen intake compared to carbon dioxide expired.   Here is a link to a study showing their accuracy: http://www.microlifeusa.com/pdfs/medgem_validation.pdf. ; The MedGem is reimbursable by most insurance carriers, too.

    The BodyGem has been a very valuable addition to my practice.

     

     



    Penny,  thanks for posting the link.  Very interesting read!

     

    tom

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