RMR testing and accuracy - thoughts?

Cat_Lifts
Cat_Lifts Posts: 174 Member
I hope this is an okay post to make here, there's a handful of great MFPers here with excellent knowledge that I felt most comfortable coming to in asking this. Last thing I'd want to do is spam it up if it's considered a silly post. It's mostly just a question regarding RMR testing and it's accuracy. :flowerforyou: This morning I had my RMR tested to get a better idea of where my metabolism is at/what I burn at rest. To my surprise, it came out to 1820! Maybe because I haven't done much research on it, I felt like that was very high.

My poorly stunted brain can't seem to wrap around the fact I can burn that much at rest, then again I've had in drilled in my head for years that I was doomed to have a ****ty metabolism because my parents 'had bad ones', that stubborn weight loss was a result of poor family genetics, certain supplements or medication would 'correct' everything into functioning 'normally' etc.. anyway, a little info on my body comp -

Age: 22
Gender: Female
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 187.6lbs
BF%: 35.4%
Lifestyle: 5 days a week of retail with mostly standing/walking, intermittent stocking, squatting, 30lbs+ box lifting, etc.
Workouts: 3x a week for an hour with 5x5 program + a tad bit of HIIT.
Also 1 day a week of Crossfit.

For those who have done testing, or have read up on other's results, is that a fairly realistic number given my stats? With the multiplier they gave me, my maintenance level comes out to about 2535 calories and apparently that's without exercise incorporated! I'm currently eating at 1750, but wondering if moving up to 2000 is better. I have been losing on the 1750, but dealing with hunger pangs as of late.

Replies

  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    They can give you a decent starting point, but actual results are what matter. If you're losing weight at 1750, don't start screwing with things. I've seen people that were doing fine, and all of a sudden it gets in their head that they should be eating more, and they end up stalling or even gaining weight.

    If the hunger is getting to you, take a week or two and eat at maintenance. Also, your protein could stand to be a bit higher.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    They can give you a decent starting point, but actual results are what matter. If you're losing weight at 1750, don't start screwing with things. I've seen people that were doing fine, and all of a sudden it gets in their head that they should be eating more, and they end up stalling or even gaining weight.

    If the hunger is getting to you, take a week or two and eat at maintenance. Also, your protein could stand to be a bit higher.

    I agree with this, just FWIW.
  • Cat_Lifts
    Cat_Lifts Posts: 174 Member
    Yeah, trying to reach those protein goals! Needs moar chicken + greek yogurt. :) I'll keep closer to the low 1800 range to help with the pangs and also focus more on balancing my meals out so when I *do* need a snack, I've allowed myself that space in calories. Thank you!
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Just to add that I agree with Rock - actual results are really what should be looked at. What is your average weight loss at that intake?

    Also, the RMR does not appear to be unreasonable based on your stats and margin of error.
  • Cat_Lifts
    Cat_Lifts Posts: 174 Member
    About 2 weeks ago I was at 189.4 in the morning on a valid weigh-in day. About 4-5 days ago I was at 187.6 I believe it was, again a valid day. :) Although I haven't been logging it, I have increased water intake immensely which I feel has been helping in the process of losing.

    I used to be at 8-10oz a day of pure water, sad right?! Now I'm getting in at least 50-60oz daily. Energy levels have actually increased as well since incorporating it more into daily life.

    edit: Since buying a food scale, it's helped me realize my intake. I went from 191-192ish to 187.4 in about a month or so? It's felt slow, but I felt a difference in my clothes a few weeks before the scale started to slowly drop. I primarily do weights, very little cardio.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I get 0oz pure water :wink:


    1lb a week is a reasonable rate of loss.
  • Cat_Lifts
    Cat_Lifts Posts: 174 Member
    1lb a week feels like a comfortable pace, as well! At least in my case since I love food so much. :flowerforyou: An 1,000 calorie deficit felt too aggressive, like when I tried the 1200 gig. I focused more on trying to lose it as fast as possible rather than slowly incorporating healthier options and choices to make it a lifestyle. Glad to say I've graduated from that old 'I want it now!' mindset. :smile:
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