Got my RMR tested today

I'm trying to use this info to determine how many calories to eat to lose 1-2lbs a week. I am obese according to my BMI. I was eating 1960 as suggested by MFP for 1lb/week and eating back most of my exercise calories and losing about 1lb/week up until these last two weeks. I had lost 11.6 pounds and have now gained 1.5 back. I did have a few days of eating very low last week. I am a stay at home mom with 2 kids one is a toddler so I am kind of limited apart from playing with and chasing after my youngest. I try to walk at least 30-45 min daily or hike on the weekends, go on my elliptical and do strength training a few times a week. I wear a HRM and typically burn 200-400 a day through exercise.

I got my RMR tested this morning and it is 2290. The trainer suggested eating at my RMR to lose weight. The results on the sheet say this: Total energy output 3263 RMR 2290. Maint. Zone 2290-2977 weight loss zone 1832-2290 medically supervised zone 1832 and below. So, does eating at my RMR seem right? Or should I aim for just above the 1832? It also says not to eat back exercise calories because they can be inaccurate. Up until now I had been eating them back and netting the 1960 almost every day.

Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I'd probably eat 1900 or something.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    That's what I was eating lost almost 12lbs and then started gaining :(
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    That's what I was eating lost almost 12lbs and then started gaining :(

    Your body will naturally fluctuate. I can eat breakfast and gain more than that. You didn't gain fat eating 1900 calories, your body was either holding water based on body cycles or you ate more sodium than usual. Stick with 1900. If anything, have a few days more towards 2200 so you aren't eating under your BMR too much. Also, concentrate on eating stuff higher in proteins and fats. Lower carbs will help eliminate some water storage. Also, foods high in potassium and magnesium can also help eliminate water weight and it's good for you since they are key components for your electrolytes.

    If you want more advice I would suggest opening your diary so we can make some recommendations.
  • GauchoMark
    GauchoMark Posts: 1,804 Member
    I agree with psulemon.

    If you have lost 12 lbs at a rate of 1 lb/week eating 1960, you haven't REALLY gained 1.5 lbs of FAT over the last couple of weeks. Stick to your plan for another 2-3 weeks before you make any changes.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    It's normal to gain weight. Every 2 weeks or so I gain back a little (up to 2lbs usually), but it goes away again later. It's often just water weight, it doesn't mean what you're doing isn't working.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Thanks for your replies. I appreciate it.
  • DoxieLove10612
    DoxieLove10612 Posts: 145 Member
    I am going tomorrow night to get mine done. I will ask the questions you asked as well and share the response. The place I am going is owned by a a girl who is about the most buff thing I have ever seen so she should really know her stuff.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Thanks Doxie! How did it go?
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member


    I got my RMR tested this morning and it is 2290. The trainer suggested eating at my RMR to lose weight. The results on the sheet say this: Total energy output 3263 RMR 2290. Maint. Zone 2290-2977 weight loss zone 1832-2290 medically supervised zone 1832 and below. So, does eating at my RMR seem right? Or should I aim for just above the 1832? It also says not to eat back exercise calories because they can be inaccurate. Up until now I had been eating them back and netting the 1960 almost every day.

    Thanks in advance.

    Using the TDEE method, if these were my numbers, I would deduct 20% from my Total energy output (3263) and eat that amount (about 2600) every day (you do not eat back exercise calories this way because it is already factored in). If you have a lot to lose, you could probably go lower than that, but I am not sure why it says the weight loss zone is under your RMR...
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    I would eat at your RMR and not below.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member


    I got my RMR tested this morning and it is 2290. The trainer suggested eating at my RMR to lose weight. The results on the sheet say this: Total energy output 3263 RMR 2290. Maint. Zone 2290-2977 weight loss zone 1832-2290 medically supervised zone 1832 and below. So, does eating at my RMR seem right? Or should I aim for just above the 1832? It also says not to eat back exercise calories because they can be inaccurate. Up until now I had been eating them back and netting the 1960 almost every day.

    Thanks in advance.

    Using the TDEE method, if these were my numbers, I would deduct 20% from my Total energy output (3263) and eat that amount (about 2600) every day (you do not eat back exercise calories this way because it is already factored in). If you have a lot to lose, you could probably go lower than that, but I am not sure why it says the weight loss zone is under your RMR...



    I don't know either. I've been eating at RMR for a few days now and feel so much better.
  • kellyw036
    kellyw036 Posts: 58 Member
    Where can you have your RMR tested? I'd like to do this.
  • pluckabee
    pluckabee Posts: 346 Member
    Does it say how accurate the test is?

    Eating at your RMR and not eating back exercise calories (unless you do a lot of strenuous workouts) would be what I would do.

    I want to get mine tested... does anyone know anywhere in the UK that does this?