Want to Live Longer? Here's Why You Should Get an RMR Test

Chad Patton
Oct 4
3 min read

Have you ever wondered how many calories your body burns just by being alive? Or why some people seem to eat more but stay healthy? The answer might be in something called an RMR test.

What is an RMR Test?

RMR stands for Resting Metabolic Rate. Think of it like this: even when you're sleeping or sitting still, your body is working hard. Your heart beats, your lungs breathe, and your brain thinks. All of this work needs energy, just like a car needs gas.

An RMR test tells you exactly how much energy your body uses when you're resting. It's like finding out how much gas your body's engine burns when it's just idling.

How Does an RMR Test Work?

Getting an RMR test is easy. You breathe into a special mask for about 10-15 minutes while sitting in a chair. The machine measures the air you breathe in and out. From this, it can tell how fast your body is burning calories.

You'll need to do a fast (water is okay) for about 2-4 hours before the test, depending on the type of test (RMR versus AMR). You should also avoid exercise that day, or the day before if you're doing it in the morning.

Why RMR Matters for Living Longer

Here's why you might be interested if you are focused on living longer, healthier lives:

1. Better Weight Control

When you know your exact RMR, you know how many calories your body really needs. This helps you eat the right amount of food. Eating too little can slow down your metabolism. Eating too much can lead to weight gain and health problems.

2. Smarter Exercise Plans

Your RMR helps doctors and trainers make better workout plans for you. The right amount of exercise can actually help your metabolism work better and may help you live longer.

3. Early Health Warning Signs

Changes in your RMR over time can show early signs of health problems. If your metabolism slows down too much, it might mean your body isn't working as well as it should.

4. Personalized Nutrition

Everyone's body is different. Your RMR test shows exactly what YOUR body needs. This means you can eat the right foods in the right amounts for your unique body.

The Science Behind Metabolism and Long Life

Scientists have found some amazing things about metabolism and aging:

Your body's cells have tiny power plants called mitochondria. These make the energy your body needs to work.
People who live the longest often have healthy metabolisms that work well even as they get older.
Eating the right amount of food (not too much, not too little) may help you live longer.
Regular exercise can help keep your metabolism healthy as you age.

What Happens During Aging?

As we get older, our bodies change. Our metabolism usually slows down. But here's the good news: people who know their RMR can make better choices to keep their metabolism healthier longer.

Some changes that happen with age:

Muscle mass decreases
Fat storage increases
Energy production in cells slows down
The body becomes less good at using nutrients

An RMR test can help you track these changes and do something about them.

Who Should Get an RMR Test?

Almost anyone can benefit from knowing their RMR, especially:

People over 40 who want to stay healthy as they age
Anyone trying to lose or gain weight the right way
Athletes who want to perform their best
People with family history of diabetes or heart disease
Anyone serious about living a long, healthy life

The Bottom Line

Getting an RMR test is like getting a roadmap for your body's energy needs. It's a simple test that can give you powerful information to help you live longer and healthier.

Remember: the goal isn't just to live longer, but to feel good and stay active for as long as possible. An RMR test is one tool that can help you do exactly that.

Sources

Orange County Precision Medicine. "The Benefits of Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing: Unlocking Weight Loss and Athletic Performance." December 2, 2024. https://www.orangecountyprecisionmedicine.com/the-benefits-of-resting-metabolic-rate-rmr-testing-unlocking-weight-loss-and-athletic-performance
"The Endeavor of High Maintenance Homeostasis: Resting Metabolic Rate and the Legacy of Longevity." PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2645618/
"Resting metabolic rate and respiratory quotient in human longevity." PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15483081/
"Metabolic Control of Longevity." PubMed. August 11, 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27518560/
"Mitochondria in the signaling pathways that control longevity and health span." ScienceDirect. August 12, 2019. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163719301564
Harvard Health. "Surprising findings about metabolism and age." October 8, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/surprising-findings-about-metabolism-and-age-202110082613
UCLA Medical School. "Mitochondria And Aging." May 8, 2025. https://medschool.ucla.edu/research/themed-areas/metabolism-research/mitochondria-aging
"Metabolic changes in aging humans: current evidence and therapeutic strategies." PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9374375/