Understanding Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Through a DEXA Scan

When it comes to weight management and performance optimization, most people obsess over calories burned during workouts. But here’s the truth: the majority of your daily calorie burn happens at rest—and it’s driven by your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

At Kalos, we use DEXA Scan San Francisco technology to give clients a precise breakdown of their body composition—including lean mass, fat mass, and visceral fat—which allows us to estimate BMR with far greater accuracy than calculators or wearables.

Let’s break down what your BMR really is, why it matters, and how DEXA insights can help you unlock better fat loss, muscle gain, and long-term health.

What Is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

BMR is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest to keep you alive. It includes:

• Breathing
• Circulating blood
• Regulating temperature
• Repairing cells
• Hormonal function

BMR accounts for 60–75% of your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). So if your BMR is too low—or inaccurately estimated—it can make fat loss frustrating and muscle gain inefficient.

What Affects Your BMR?

Your BMR is primarily influenced by:

• Lean body mass (muscle) – more muscle = higher BMR
• Age – BMR decreases as you age, mostly due to muscle loss
• Sex – men usually have higher BMR due to more lean mass
• Height and weight – larger bodies require more energy at rest
• Hormonal status and genetics

If your BMR is underestimated or your lean mass is low, your calorie targets might be way off—leading to stalled progress.

Why DEXA Is the Best Way to Estimate BMR

Generic BMR calculators use age, sex, height, and weight—but ignore the most critical variable: lean body mass.

A DEXA Scan in San Francisco tells you:

• Total lean mass (muscle, bone, organs)
• Regional muscle distribution (legs, arms, trunk)
• Fat mass and visceral fat
• Bone density

This allows us to estimate your BMR based on your unique body composition—not just a one-size-fits-all formula.

Example: Why This Matters

Two people weigh the same and are the same height and age—but one has 15 lbs more muscle. That person will have:

• A significantly higher BMR
• A faster metabolism
• A better response to strength training and protein intake
• More freedom in their nutrition plan without gaining fat

Only a DEXA scan can show this level of detail.

How to Use Your BMR to Reach Your Goals

1. Fat Loss:

Knowing your BMR helps you create the right deficit without under-eating or triggering muscle loss.

2. Muscle Gain:

Avoid overeating by calculating how many extra calories you truly need to support lean growth.

3. Performance:

Use BMR and total energy expenditure to fuel workouts and optimize recovery.

4. Longevity & Health:

Protect your metabolism as you age by tracking lean mass over time and adjusting your training/nutrition accordingly.

Pro Tip: Reassess Your BMR Monthly

As your body composition changes, so does your BMR. A monthly or bimonthly DEXA scan lets you:

• Adjust your calorie intake as you gain muscle or lose fat
• Monitor metabolic health markers (like visceral fat and lean mass)
• Stay accountable to long-term goals—whether fat loss or performance

Your Metabolism Starts With Your Muscle

Don’t let outdated BMR calculators or online estimates hold you back. With a DEXA Scan in San Francisco, you’ll get the real numbers behind your metabolism—so you can train smarter, eat better, and achieve your goals faster.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at Kalos Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.

Schedule your scan today at Kalos—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.

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