Minimum Caloric Needs

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) (From Wikipedia) is the amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, in the post-absorptive state (meaning that the digestive system is inactive, which requires about twelve hours of fasting in humans). The release of energy in this state is sufficient only for the functioning of the vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, brain and the rest of the nervous system, liver, kidneys, sex organs, muscles and skin. BMR decreases with age and with the loss of lean body mass. Increased cardiovascular exercise and muscle mass can increase BMR. Illness, previously consumed food and beverages, environmental temperature, and stress levels can affect one's overall energy expenditure, and can affect one's BMR.

Understanding the BMR is simple. The BMR is the number of calories your need to eat on a daily basis in order to maintain your current weight. This number does not include the calories burned through exercise. In order to lose weight without exercise, you need to consume fewer calories than your BMR indicates. So, if your BMR is 2,000 calories and you only eat 1,500 calories you will have a Caloric deficit of 3,500 calories a week. Since there are 3,500 calories in 1 pound of body fat, you will lose one pound a week by doing this. Of course, you can increase weight loss and generally make yourself healthier by including exercise in your fitness plan.