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How Many Calories Does My Body Burn A Day Doing Nothing A Complete Guide

Written by Bobby Feb 22, 2023 ยท 4 min read
How Many Calories Does My Body Burn A Day Doing Nothing   A Complete Guide

Table of Contents .

How Many Calories Does My Body Burn a Day Doing Nothing - A Complete Guide

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how many calories your body burns in a day doing absolutely nothing? The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, such as age, weight, height, and gender. However, determining your resting metabolic rate or RMR can help you better understand your body's energy needs and how many calories you need to consume to maintain your weight or lose weight.

How To Determine How Many Calories Your Body Burns Doing Nothing

The best way to determine how many calories your body burns in a day doing nothing is to calculate your resting metabolic rate, which is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain vital bodily functions, such as breathing, circulating blood, and regulating body temperature.

Factors Affecting Resting Metabolic Rate:

Several factors can affect your resting metabolic rate, including:

  • Age
  • Weight
  • Height
  • Gender
  • Muscle Mass
  • Body Fat Percentage

Step by Step Guide

Follow these steps to calculate your resting metabolic rate:

  1. Weigh yourself and record your weight in pounds.
  2. Measure your height in inches and record it.
  3. Calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) using the Harris-Benedict equation.
  4. Multiply your BMR by an activity factor to determine your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).

Here's how to calculate your BMR:

BMR for Men = 88.4 + (13.4 x Weight in Pounds) + (4.8 x Height in Inches) - (5.7 x Age in Years)

BMR for Women = 447.6 + (9.2 x Weight in Pounds) + (3.1 x Height in Inches) - (4.3 x Age in Years)

Once you have calculated your BMR, multiply it by an activity factor to determine your TDEE:

  • Sedentary (little or no exercise) = BMR x 1.2
  • Lightly Active (light exercise or sports 1-3 days a week) = BMR x 1.375
  • Moderately Active (moderate exercise or sports 3-5 days a week) = BMR x 1.55
  • Very Active (hard exercise or sports 6-7 days a week) = BMR x 1.725
  • Super Active (very hard exercise or sports, physical job or training twice a day) = BMR x 1.9

Tips to Increase Your Calorie Burn

While your body burns calories doing nothing, you can increase your calorie burn by incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine. Here are some tips to increase your calorie burn:

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Walk or bike to work instead of driving
  • Take a short walk during your lunch break
  • Do a quick workout in the morning or evening
  • Stand up and move around every hour if you have a sedentary job

Solutions to Burn More Calories Throughout the Day

If you want to burn more calories throughout the day, you can try incorporating these solutions:

  • Incorporate strength training exercises into your workout routine to build more muscle, which increases your metabolism.
  • Eat more protein, which can increase your metabolism and help you feel full longer.
  • Drink more water, which can help increase your metabolism and reduce hunger.
  • Get enough sleep, which can help regulate your appetite and metabolism.

FAQs

How many calories does a person burn at rest per day?

A person burns an average of 1,300 to 1,800 calories per day at rest, depending on their age, weight, height, and gender.

Does sleeping count as burning calories?

Yes, sleeping counts as burning calories. A person can burn an average of 50-100 calories per hour while sleeping.

How can I increase my metabolism?

You can increase your metabolism by incorporating strength training exercises, eating more protein, drinking more water, and getting enough sleep.

Pros and Cons of Burning Calories Through Inactivity

Pros:

  • You burn calories even when you're not doing anything
  • Your body can still burn calories while you're sleeping

Cons:

  • You won't burn as many calories as you would through physical activity
  • You may have a slower metabolism if you're not active

Overall, knowing how many calories your body burns in a day doing nothing can help you better understand your body's energy needs and make healthier choices to maintain your weight or lose weight.