Basal Metabolic Rate is described as the amount of energy spent while at rest. Most of this energy is used for the functioning of the vital organs of the body like lungs, heart, brain and rest of nervous system. BMR decreases with age and with decreasing lean body mass. An increase in muscle mass and regular practice of exercise improves BMR.

Body utilizes the available calories to satisfy the Basal Metabolic Needs. However, the basal metabolic rate is fixed by the genetic makeup and cannot be altered. But the number of calories burnt can be increased by practicing regular exercise. People with greater amount of lean tissue mass over fat are found to have greater metabolic rate and hence burn more calories, this is the reason why they do not get obese even after consuming fatty foods and do not practice any physical exercises. Men generally have greater amount of muscle compared to women and thus they burn more calories and have less chance of getting obese over women.

Number of calories burnt reduces with age due to reduction in the muscle mass and metabolic rate. That’s why people get obese with age. Reckoning the influence of number of calories burnt on body weight, it is essential to adjust the amount of calorie intake as per the body requirements. Sedentary life style seen in elders adds fuel to it.

Obese people get tempted to the commercial products promising to increase the metabolic rate. Frankly, they cannot do such miracles. In addition they may even cause dangerous side effects. FDA approval is not essential to market these products. You need to be careful to check them thoroughly for composition if you wish to give them a try.

If you are so keen about losing weight, the immediate step required is to change your lifestyle rather than relying on over the counter drugs for weight loss. Try to move as much as you can. Prefer steps over elevator, instead of taking others help to get things done do it yourself, prefer walking over car if time permits, start playing with your kids it will help you burn calories and it can also improves your bonding with them. Try to resist your food cravings. Prefer fiber rich veggies over fatty junk foods. Do not over eat. Stop when you are 80% satisfied. Have control on your habits like smoking, drinking wine as they result in accumulation of free radicals that have influence in gaining weight. Maintaining a diary of daily habits like your diet and your physical activity will help you in gaining control over them.

A regular practice of walking for about 30 min will help you to burn calories and lose weight. But one has to be patient enough to lose weight as it is a very slow process with zero risk. It is a best practice for aged and people with some sort of health risks.

One has to make note of the fact that the amount of food consumed and the extent of physical activity decides the number of calories burnt that ultimately determines the body weight. It should be remembered that the number of calories burnt should be higher than the intake to lose weight. To maintain the accomplished weight, a balance of calorie intake and usage should be made.

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