Metabolic Scans

What is a Metabolic Scan?

A metabolic scan is a simple and easy test for measuring your (or your client’s) Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR).

Our Q-NRG Monitor uses indirect calorimetry for testing metabolism through analysing gas exchange: put simply - how much oxygen your body consumes and the amount of carbon dioxide is breathed out.

Based on these numbers, a formula is used to then calculate the amount of energy your body burns. These tests are done at rest, providing your RMR.  

Why is RMR important?

For most people, their RMR represents 70% of how many calories they will burn everyday. The other 30% is made up of;

  • NEAT 15% (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)

    • Calories burned through non-exercise e.g. household chores, gardening etc.

  • TEF 10% (Thermic Effect of Food)

    • The amount of calories burned when you digest the food you eat

  • EAT 5% (Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)

    • Calories burned through exercise

Wait… so over two thirds of what you burn is just based on RMR? For most people - absolutely.

So how do we usually calculate this? The most common way to do this is using something called the “Harris Benedict Equation” (which was developed in 1919) and is based off only 4 factors - Height, Weight, Age and Sex. That’s it.

Wait… surely that’s not enough…?

Right? That’s what we thought too. Even a quick look to the picture to the left (which is a wonderful drawing of human metabolism) - surely we need more information than height, weight, age and sex?

We agree. Here is a very short list of all the other factors that can affect your resting metabolism (RMR);

  • Muscle Mass

  • Genetics/Medical History

  • Physical Activity

  • Hormones

  • Gut Microbiome

  • Environmental factors

  • Drugs/Medication

  • Diet and Diet History

Plus many, many more. So if you’ve ever entered your information into a website to find out your calories and found the number “off”? That’s why.

So, how is this different?

We don’t make assumptions.

We don’t try to calculate every small nuance that makes you, you.

We just measure the output. That’s it.

We can tell you (within a 1% accuracy) your personal RMR and also where you sit in comparison to normative values.

This means we can definitely tell you what’s happening with your metabolism.

Ok, I’m convinced, what now?

Well you can book in here:

To ensure the best accuracy for the scan, please follow this protocol;

  • Fasted (no food for 5 hours prior to test)

  • No coffee or alcohol (for 3 hours prior to test)

  • No smoking (for 2 hours prior to test)

  • No intense exercise (for 14 hours prior to test)

  • No moderate exercise (for 2 hours prior to test)

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us!