Metabolic Analysis

Successful weight management is all about balancing the calories you take in with the calories
you expend. But, how do you know how many calories you burn each day?

You burn calories in a variety of ways, including general daily activity and structured exercise. But the
majority of the calories your body burns are those just to keep you alive, such as breathing, digestion,
circulation and brain function. Your Resting Metabolic Rate (or RMR) is the name given to the total
calories you burn each day only  for bodily functions. Your RMR is a critical piece of information to
know when it comes to establishing how many calories you need to eat per day to reach your weight
goals.

Research has repeatedly shown that standard formulas used to estimate metabolic rate are often very
inaccurate and may be off by as much as 30%! The only way to know your true RMR is to have it tested.

Until recently, it has not been possible to conveniently or economically measure RMR so
most people have had to rely on inaccurate formulas and estimations. Technology has
changed that. Six Dimensions uses the Bodygem® metabolism measurement device by
MicrolifeTM to provide quick, convenient metabolic measurements. This small, hand-held tool
has been shown to be just as accurate as the methods used in clinical settings.

This painless, economical assessment takes under 30 minutes and can be done in the
comfort and privacy of your own home or workplace. We will explain the results of your test
and what that means for you in terms of weight management. Based on your unique
metabolic rate, we will develop a personalized calorie-based meal plan that will allow you
to lose, maintain or gain weight.

What Should I Expect During The Metabolic Measurement?













          What Do I Need To Do For The Measurement?

In order to ensure an accurate measurement, there are several requirements that must be followed.

For at least 4 hours before the measurement, do not:
o   Exercise in any manner
o   Eat or drink anything besides water
o   Ingest caffeine in any form
o  Take diet pills or supplements that have ephedra, Ma Huang or pseudoephedrine

Do not smoke or use nicotine for at least 1 hour before the measurement


 Need more information about this assessment? Ready to make an appointment? Click here to get started.

"Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success
is the natural consequence of consistently applying
the basic fundamentals."  - Jim Rohn
Contact Us
for more
information about
this service or to
set up an
appointment to
discover your
personal resting
metablic rate.
Common Questions About Metabolism and Weight Management

1. What exactly is metabolism?
Metabolism is the process of combining food with oxygen to release the energy our body needs to function. Total
metabolic rate represents the calories needed for maintaining body functions, daily activities (such as
occupational activity and exercise), and the energy expended during exercise.

2. What's the difference between metabolism and RMR?
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents a majority of the total metabolic rate and refers to the calories the body
burns simply to survive. In other words, it is the calories a person burns if s/he is awake, but at rest all day.

3. Significance of RMR?
RMR can account for up to 75% of all the calories a person burns in a day. Therefore it is a critical piece of
information to appropriately establish daily calorie needs, whether trying to lose, gain or maintain weight.

4. Can I use a formula to estimate my RMR?
The only way to accurately assess RMR is to have it tested. Research indicates that standard formulas are
inaccurate for many people and may significantly overestimate or underestimate metabolic rate, by as much as
30%. This can lead to ineffective planning for weight management.

5. What influences RMR?
RMR is influenced by a number of factors: body mass, body composition (the amount of fat and muscle), age,
gender and hormones. People with more mass will have a higher metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than
fat; a person with a higher percentage of muscle will have a higher RMR. RMR declines with age at a rate of
approximately 2% per decade; this decline is primarily a result of muscle loss. Men usually have a higher
metabolism than women, partly because they tend to have a higher percentage of muscle compared to women.
Certain hormones and other substances (caffeine, nicotine, medications, and supplements) can increase or
decrease metabolism. Stress, injury and illness also impact metabolism.

6. Does Exercise Speed Up My Metabolism?
Increasing your muscle mass will increase your RMR and the number of calories you burn at rest each day,
although not as much as many people think. With significant increases in muscle mass, you may burn 10-50
calories more per day. Although this does not seem like much, the effect of this increase over the long term will
lead to significant improvements in weight management. Keep in mind that strength training must be done fairly
intensely to lead to significant increases in muscle mass.

7. How is my RMR affected if I lose weight?
When individuals lose weight, their metabolism may decrease. This decrease is normal and happens as a result
of tissue loss (fat and muscle). Strength training during weight loss can lessen the muscle loss, but most people
will experience some muscle loss. During weight loss, the body may also lower metabolism in response to a lower
calorie intake, particularly if the calorie reduction is severe. During weight loss, it is helpful to monitor changes in
metabolism and make necessary adjustments to food intake for successful weight management.

8. What do metabolism and calories have to do with weight management?

The short answer is .... everything!

To achieve your weight goals, you need to find a balance between the energy you take in from food as calories
and the energy used up with RMR and activity. Quite simply:

1. Calorie Intake > Output = Weight Gain
2. Intake < Output = Weight Loss
3. Intake = Output = Weight Maintenance

Physical activity also contributes to the expenditure side of the energy balance equation. The amount of energy
burned through this route can be modified. Increasing daily activity through structured exercise and general
activity will tip the energy balance scale to favor weight loss.

3500 calories = 1 pound. To lose one pound per week, you’ll need to eat 3500 calories less than you burn. One
way to do this would be to eat 250 less calories per day and get an additional 250 calories of energy expenditure
through general activity or structured exercise each day.  You certainly can lose weight through either exercise or
diet alone, but a combination of both is the best method for achieving weight loss and, more importantly, long
term weight management.
1.  Before the assessment, you rest for 10-15 minutes. Sitting or lying quietly, you enjoy some “down
time” to bring your body back to a resting state.

2. Your Six Dimensions consultant will help you place a soft nose clip over your nose and the
Bodygem® mouth piece into your mouth and the assessment will start. You will be left alone to sit
quietly, holding the small tool to your mouth as you breathe normally.
3.        In 5 – 10 minutes, the Bodygem will beep indicating the assessment is over. You simply take
the hand held tool out of your mouth and the nose clip off, and let your consultant know you are finished.

4.        Your consultant will clearly explain the results of your assessment and how your metabolic
rate affects your ability to gain, lose or maintain weight.  If you choose to receive a calorie-based
meal plan based on your metabolism, you will sit with your consultant to answer a few more questions. S/he
will immediately provide that information, go over your plan in detail and offer resources to help you stick to
your plan.