Evaluation begins by estimating daily caloric needs. Clearly this figure will change depending on state of health and activity. For example:

• An athlete in training will have a much greater caloric need than an otherwise healthy couch potato.
• A patient with emphysema will burn thousands of calories just breathing.
• A person recovering from a severe burn may have twice or even three times the regular caloric need.

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) gives us some standard to go by. It's a method of estimating minimal daily caloric needs.

• Basically, it's your weight in pounds X 10.
• Then multiplied by a fudge factor for men of 1.2, but nothing for women.
• So, for a 180 pound man it would be as follows:
• 180 lb X 10 = 1,800 X 1.2 = 2,160 = BMR
• For a 150 woman it would be:
• 150 lb X 10 = 1,500 X 1 = 1,500 = BMR
• Another method of estimating is 30-35 Kcal per Kg.

The basal metabolic rate is just what it says it is. The number of calories to keep the cellular fires burning and not much more. It doesn't take into account special needs or daily activity.

If you're very active or sick, your caloric needs increase.