Basal metabolic rate

The individual energy requirement (kcal/d) is determined by calculating the patient’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) and taking into account physical activity (such as the intensity of physical work, etc.)
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) – the amount of energy used by the body for basic processes – maintaining body temperature, circulating nutrients, respiration, heart, liver, kidney function, and muscle tone.
Calculated using the Harris-Benedict formula:
BMR (men) = 66.47 + 13.75 x (body weight) + 5 x (height) – 6.76 x (age)
BMR (women) = 655.1 + 9.56 x (body weight) + 1.85 x (height) – 4.67 x (age)
Body weight (kg); height (cm); age (years)

The daily energy requirement (DER) is calculated:
DER = BMR x PAL
BMR – basal metabolic rate; PAL – physical activity level.

Physical activity is assessed based on the physical activity level (PAL) of a specific group of people:
Group I – engaging in very light physical work (sitting, lying down, driving, computer work).
Group II – engaging in light physical work. PAL is 1.3 – low activity (salesperson, teacher, secretary work).
Group III – engaging in moderate physical work. PAL is 1.5 – moderate activity (household chores, carpentry, medical work).
Group IV – engaging in heavy physical work. PAL is 2.0 – high activity (construction work, agriculture).
Group V – engaging in very heavy physical work. PAL is 2.7 – very high activity (sports).

Source | Dietary Treatment in General Practice | Dietitian Doctor Jūratė Dobrovolskienė