Basal Metabolic Rate: Definition, Normal Values, And Clinical Considerations

Basal Metabolic Rate: Definition, Normal Values, And Clinical Considerations

Question 1. Define basal metabolic rate. List any four factors affecting it.
Answer:

Basal Metabolic Rate Definition:

• It is the minimum amount of energy required by the body to maintain life at complete physical and mental rest in the post-absorptive state.

Basal Metabolic Rate Normal Values:

• Adult male – 35-38 Cal/sq.m/hr
• Adult female – 32-35 Cal/sq.m/hr

Factors Affecting BMR:

• Surface area
  • It is directly proportional to BMR
• Sex
  • Higher in males
• Age
  • Higher in infants and growing children
  • Decreases in adults
• Physical activity
  • Increased in athletes
• Hormones
  • Thyroid hormone stimulates BMR
• Environment
  • Higher in warm climates than in cold climates
• Disease states
  • Increased in infections
  • Decreased in Addison’s disease

Question 2. Balanced diet
Answer:

• It is defined as a diet which contains different types of foods possessing the nutrients- carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins & minerals in a proportion to meet the requirements of the body
• It supplies a little more of each nutrient than the minimum requirement to keep the body in a state of good health & protect against leanness
• Its basic composition varies from country to country
• Indian balanced diet is composed of

1. Cereals
2. Pulses
3. Roots & tubers
4. Fruits
5. Milk & milk products (vi) Fats & Oils
6. Sugar
7. Groundnuts
8. Meat, fish & eggs in non-vegetarians
9. Additional amounts of milk & pulses in vegetarians