Metabolic Testing: What It Is & Why We Care
Metabolic Testing
What Is It
Well, in short, it is a test that helps us determine how many calories you burn at rest.
The method we use is indirect calorimeter, which is the gold standard field test, and the MOST accurate way we can determined your metabolism outside of a hospital or lab. The device we have measures your oxygen to carbon dioxide ratios (the inputs and byproducts of metabolism), to determine how metabolically active your body is.
Why does it matter?
This number becomes the baseline of determining your caloric needs.
If you burn 1500 calories at rest, then we use that plus your daily activity to determine your total caloric expenditure. Having this number is crucial for performance, weight loss, weight gain or any body composition goals you have. It is also important to know, because chronically eating under this number will cause your metabolism to adapt down.
Whether you are interested in tracking calories or not, this number helps us educate you on how much to eat based on your goals.
What determines my metabolism?
A lot of factors! Some of the most significant factors are gender, muscle mass, dieting history, hormone levels, medications, and stress levels.
But can’t I use a calculation?
Sure, but these aren’t always accurate. These don’t take into account the above factors. I always compare the number I get from the test with the calculations AND In-Body scan results. I can honestly say in most cases, these numbers can all vary 100-400 calories. If you were to use an inaccurate number to determine your needs, you may not reach your goals due to under or overeating.
Can my metabolic rate change?
For sure!!! Depending on muscle mass changes, weight changes, recent under or over eating, changes in hormones, changes in medications and stress levels, your metabolic rate can change.
What is the test like?
It is pretty simple. You just need to breathe into our device for 10 minutes. Your nose will be plugged with a nose clip so that all your air is coming through your mouth. You have to be fasted and avoid caffeine and exercise prior to the test.
Guys, I promise this test worth it! I am so not into gimmicky stuff, so I wouldn’t utilize this tool if I didn’t trust the science behind it!