Difference Between BMR and TDEE

The key difference between BMR and TDEE is that the BMR (basal metabolic rate) refers to the amount of calories a body utilizes for vital functions, while the TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) refers to the total amount of calories a person burns per day.

BMR and TDEE are two important measurements in maintaining healthy body weight. BMR is the total amount of calories you burn for vital activities occurring in your body. In contrast, TDEE is the total amount of calories you burn each day. It is a cumulative value of BMR and the other two factors. Therefore, TDEE is a measurement of the calories needed for basal metabolism and physical activities.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is BMR 
3. What is TDEE
4. Similarities Between BMR and TDEE
5. Side by Side Comparison – BMR vs TDEE in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is BMR?

BMR or basal metabolic rate is the amount of calories burned at rest. In other words, BMR is the amount of calories spent or burned for vital functions of our body such as circulation, breathing, cell production, nutrient processing, protein synthesis, and ion transport, etc. In fact, it is the amount of calories you would burn if you were asleep all day. BMR value is helpful when you need to lose weight. Many weight loss and exercise guides use BMR value in recommending dieting procedures and exercises.

BMR calculation relies on a mathematical formula. When calculating, it is necessary to consider variables including height, weight, age and gender. Harris-Benedict Equation is the formula often used to calculate BMR. It differs between men and women as follows.

• Women: BMR = 655 + (9.6 × weight in kg) + (1.8 × height in cm) – (4.7 × age in years)
• Men: BMR = 66 + (13.7 × weight in kg) + (5 × height in cm) – (6.8 × age in years)

What is TDEE?

TDEE or total daily energy expenditure is the total amount of calories burned each day. It is a cumulative value of the thermic effect of food, BMR and physical activity. Therefore, BMR together with the other two factors gives your TDEE value. Generally, BMR accounts for 60-75% of TDEE while the thermic effect of food accounts 10% and physical activity accounts 15-30% of TDEE. Physical activity is the amount of calories burnt for non-exercise movements and exercises. Thermic effect of food is the amount of calories burnt for eating and digestion.

If you consume more calories than TDEE, it can cause weight gain. On the other hand, if you consume fewer calories than TDEE, it can cause weight loss.  For example, if your TDEE is 2200 calories per day and if you eat less than 2200 calories, you will lose weight. On the other hand, if you eat more than 2200 calories, you will gain weight. This is why TDEE is related to weight gain and loss. Thus, it is better to have an idea about your body’s TDEE if you want to maintain a healthy weight.

What are the Similarities Between BMR and TDEE?

• BMR is a component of TDEE.
• Generally, BMR accounts for 60-75% of TDEE.
• Both BMR and TDEE should be considered when reaching or maintaining a healthy weight.
• Moreover, both values are measured using formulas.

What is the Difference Between BMR and TDEE?

BMR is the amount of calories you burn for your body’s vital functions. In contrast, TDEE is the total amount of calories you burn each day. It is a combination of BMR and the calories burnt for physical activities. So, this is the key difference between BMR and TDEE.

Besides, the BMR is always lower than the TDEE. Also, a further difference between BMR and TDEE is that the BMR is measured at rest, but TDEE is measured, taking even the exercise into account at 24 hours.

Summary – BMR vs TDEE

BMR and TDEE are important calorie measurements in maintaininga healthy body weight. BMR is the total amount of calories needed to perform most viral and basic functions of our body. It is the amount of calories utilized at rest. In fact, it is the amount of calories we burn just by existing. In contrast, total daily energy expenditure is the total amount of calories you burn each day. You burn additional calories for exercising and physical activities.  BMR is one component of TDEE, and it accounts for 60-75% of TDEE. Thus, TDEE is a combination of BMR and the calories you burn through physical activities each day. So, this summarizes the difference between BMR and TDEE.

Reference:

1. Frey, Malia. “How to Change Your Basal Metabolic Rate for Weight Loss.” Verywell Fit, Verywell Fit, 24 Sept. 2019, Available here.
2. Frothingham, Scott. “What Is Basal Metabolic Rate?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Nov. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “3231081” (CC0) via Pixabay

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