A resting metabolic rate test measures how many calories your body burns at complete rest — the energy needed for breathing, circulation and organ function, which is 60–75% of most people's total daily burn. You breathe into a metabolic analyzer for 10–20 minutes; the oxygen you consume converts directly into calories per day.

Resting Metabolic Rate testing in the U.S. typically runs $100–$300.

An RMR (resting metabolic rate) test measures calories burned at complete rest — your baseline for nutrition targets. A VO2 max / AMR test measures capacity and calorie burn during exercise — your baseline for training. Many clinics offer both; together with a DEXA scan they give a complete metabolic and body-composition picture.

Apps use formulas (Mifflin-St Jeor, Harris-Benedict) and scales use bioimpedance estimates; both are population averages that commonly miss an individual's burn by 200–500 calories a day. This test measures your oxygen consumption — the reference method those formulas try to approximate.

This test answers that with a number: your measured RMR versus the predicted value for your age, sex and size. Most people who "can't lose weight" find their metabolism is normal — and the real issue is the target they were given. Either way, you leave knowing.

Yes — it's one of the best times. Appetite falls fast on semaglutide or tirzepatide, and eating far below your measured RMR accelerates muscle loss and metabolic slowdown. A baseline plus a retest at 8–12 weeks keeps the deficit productive instead of destructive.

No. You sit in a chair and breathe normally. It's the easiest test in the building.

Yes — at least 4 hours, plus no caffeine/nicotine for 4 hours and no exercise for 12. Morning appointments make this easy.

Generally not by insurance; many HSA/FSA plans reimburse metabolic testing with a Letter of Medical Necessity — keep your receipt.

RMR if your goal is nutrition and weight management (calories at rest). VO2 max if your goal is training and endurance (capacity and calorie burn under load). Doing both gives your full metabolic range.

Every 8–12 weeks during active weight loss, after any 10–15 lb change, or when progress stalls — on the same machine, same time of day, same fasted state.

No. This is wellness testing; self-referral is accepted.