How it works
Resting metabolic rate is measured by indirect calorimetry. You breathe normally into a mask or mouthpiece for 10 to 15 minutes while rested, and the analyzer reads the oxygen you use to calculate the calories you burn.
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Test in Columbus, Ohio
Know your metabolism
An RMR test measures exactly how many calories your body burns at rest. It is a simple 10 to 15 minute breathing test that replaces calorie guesswork with your real numbers, so your weight-loss and nutrition plan is built on facts.
What it is
Measure your metabolism, not a guess.
Your resting metabolic rate, or RMR, is the number of calories your body burns at rest to keep you alive. Sometimes called resting metabolism, a metabolism test, or a calorie-burn test, it is measured by indirect calorimetry: a short, simple breathing test done fasted and rested. Instead of estimating your calories from a formula, you get a real measurement to build your plan around.
What you get
Your true daily calorie burn at rest, the number of calories your body needs just to keep you alive. It removes the guesswork from calorie targets for weight loss, performance, and everyday nutrition.
Who it is for
Take the guesswork out of calories.
An RMR test helps anyone on a weight-loss or nutrition plan, athletes dialing in their fueling, and anyone who has hit a plateau despite doing the right things. Knowing your true resting calorie burn gives you an honest starting point for your calorie targets, so you can eat with a purpose rather than a rough estimate. It pairs naturally with our medical weight loss program and with our dietitian, who can turn your results into a plan you can follow. RMR testing is included with a medical membership and is also available on its own.
How to prepare
Arrive fasted and rested.
A few simple steps beforehand give you the most accurate reading. Here is how to get ready for your RMR test.
- Arrive fasted. No food or calorie-containing drinks for about 4 hours before your test. Water is fine.
- Skip caffeine and nicotine the morning of your test, since both can temporarily raise your metabolism.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for several hours beforehand so your body is fully rested.
- Sit and relax quietly for a few minutes when you arrive, then simply breathe normally through the test.
If you take medications, keep to your normal routine unless your provider tells you otherwise, and let us know when you arrive. We will walk you through everything before we begin.
Questions
Good to know.
It is a short breathing test, also called a metabolism test or calorie-burn test, that measures how many calories your body burns at rest. Using indirect calorimetry, it reads the oxygen you use to calculate your resting metabolic rate, the energy your body needs each day just to function.
The measurement itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You rest quietly and breathe normally into a mask or mouthpiece while the analyzer does the work. Plan for a little extra time to settle in and review your results.
Arrive fasted and rested. Avoid food for about 4 hours beforehand, skip caffeine and nicotine that morning, and avoid vigorous exercise for several hours before. Water is fine. Coming in relaxed gives the most accurate reading.
Most calorie targets are estimates from a formula. An RMR test measures your actual resting calorie burn, so your nutrition plan is built on your real numbers rather than a guess. That is especially helpful if you have hit a plateau or your body responds differently than a calculator predicts.
Anyone on a weight-loss or nutrition plan, athletes dialing in their fueling, and anyone who has stalled despite doing the right things. It gives you a clear starting point for calorie targets and takes the guesswork out.
Yes. Resting metabolic rate testing is included with a medical membership, and it is also available on its own. It pairs naturally with our medical weight loss program and with our dietitian, who can turn your results into a practical plan.
They answer different questions. An RMR test measures how many calories you burn at rest. A DEXA scan measures your body composition and bone density. Many people do both to build a complete picture, then use the numbers together to guide nutrition and training.
Related: Advanced Testing · DEXA Scan · Medical Weight Loss · Nutrition
Two ways to test
On its own, or included.
Book a single RMR test when you want a baseline, or get it at no extra cost as part of a medical membership.
With membership
Included
$0extra
Resting metabolic rate testing is included with a $199 a month medical membership, at no extra cost.
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Nothing wasted
Your test applies toward your first month when you join within 30 days.
Know your numbers, then act on them.
Included with or discounted by membership. Your first visit applies toward your first month when you join within 30 days.
Medically reviewed by Shawn Bailey, MD · Last reviewed June 2026