What Is Metabolic Testing

Your metabolism is responsible for breaking down the calories you consume and turning them into the energy your body needs to function.

The higher your metabolism is, the easier it is for you to lose weight and maintain that level of weight loss. One way to determine the speed of your body’s metabolism is by testing your metabolism.

What is metabolic testing?

Metabolic testing involves a number of different tests and most who are serious beckon the question, where can I find RMR testing near me? If you are in proximity, TrackYourMax.com offers locations and services that will help you take control of your health.

Each test provides information about a key element of your metabolism. These elements include:

Resting metabolic rate (RMR). Testing this aspect of your metabolism provides information about the estimated number of calories you burn when your body is at rest — you’re not exercising or moving.
Maximum volume of oxygen (V02 Max). This test element (also called aerobic capacity) provides information about your body’s ability to use oxygen effectively during exercise.
Lactate threshold test. Your lactate threshold is the point at which lactic acid builds up in the blood more quickly than it can be removed during exercise, causing muscle fatigue. If you’re an athlete who’s interested in improving performance, you may find this metabolic test element beneficial.

Where can you get tested?

In a medical facility or fitness center

Traditionally, metabolic testing was done in medical settings. Recently, this type of test has become available at many gyms and health clubs.

Since certification is not required to read the results of metabolic tests, some users feel that testing done at fitness centers is less accurate than those a medical professional performs. If you’re interested in having your metabolism tested, talk to a doctor about finding a reliable testing facility in your area.

The cost may vary as well. Metabolic testing is usually expensive. It’s up to you to decide where you should get a metabolic test done. Finding out whether your insurance covers it may help you to decide.

Home testing

At-home testing is also available. Most at-home metabolism tests look at hormone levels that can affect metabolism, such as:

cortisol
insulin
progesterone
thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3)

This can be beneficial, but differs from metabolic rate.

At-home testing kits include: the Wellnicity At-Home Metabolism Test Kit and the EverlyWell Metabolism Test.

How your metabolism is tested at a medical facility or fitness center

Resting metabolic rate (RMR)

Metabolic testing is typically done in several parts and almost always includes a calorimetry test. This test takes 15 to 30 minutes and is done while you’re reclining.

The equipment used may vary. Some calorimetry tests use a mouthpiece you breathe into. Others require you to recline under a plastic hood that’s attached to a monitor by a tube. This test measures your RMR.

Maximum volume of oxygen (V02 max)

V02 max is determined while you perform an aerobic activity, such as walking or running on a treadmill. You’ll breathe into a mask during this test.

As the test progresses, the speed and incline of the treadmill will continue to increase. The length of time it takes to do this test is determined by your fitness level and ability to continue as the test becomes more challenging.

The results of each test are analyzed using specific formulas that contrast oxygen inhalation and carbon dioxide exhalation.

This allows your healthcare provider or trainer to estimate the number of calories you burn while at rest and during exercise.

Lactate threshold

If you have lactate threshold testing done, your blood will be drawn at varying intervals during ever-increasing levels of aerobic activity, either on a treadmill or a bike.

This test should only be done in a medical setting.

Can metabolic testing be used for weight loss and fitness?

Metabolic testing gives you information about approximately how many calories you burn each day.

Based on this information, you may decide to alter your physical activity or eating habits, so that you burn more (or less) calories daily.

Metabolic testing can be valuable, but the results should only be looked at as part of an overall fitness or wellness program.

Keep in mind that your test results provide a snapshot of your metabolism and fitness level on the day you were tested.

If your activity level changes, or your physical fitness improves or declines, your metabolic rate, and numbers, will change.

Remember, the changes you experience will occur over time. You will likely not see any dramatic changes day to day.

What is metabolic testing?

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