Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the amount of calories a person burns during rest. Theoretically, this is the amount of fat or carbohydrates an individual uses for normal functioning without physical exertion. To calculate this, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) is used, which is the relationship between CO2 released and O2 consumed at the lungs during steady state. When the ratio is close to .7, the individual is likely at rest and utilizing only fat. If the ratio is close to 1.0, the subject is most likely in extreme exercise and utilizing only carbohydrates. The ratios of oxygen and carbon dioxide are shown through the oxidation reactions of both fat and carbohydrates. It is possible to calculate an RER higher than 1 because of hyperventilation in the lungs [2]. The respiratory quotient (RQ) is the measurement of CO2 and O2 in the tissues at the cellular level. The most accurate way to determine RQ is through the bicarbonate buffer reaction where the amount of hydrogen ions show metabolism. Although both RQ and RER measure the exchange rate of O2 and CO2, the two are different because RQ is measured at the cellular level in the tissues, while …show more content…
Metabolism is the rate at which your food consumption is turned into energy. Therefore, individuals who are aware of their resting metabolic rate know the optimal daily caloric intake in order to lose weight. Individuals that are overweight have a higher resting metabolic rate; therefore, if an individual had a rising metabolic rate, they would know to change their lifestyle before they become obese [10]. Not only can metabolic rate prevent an individual from coming obese, but it can also display different treatment methods effectiveness. During aerobic training and dieting, obese individuals can observe the decrease in metabolic rate, which could encourage the work and display the actual impact the exercise and diet is making