The MedGem indirect calorimeter, an FDA 510K-cleared Class II medical device is a state-of-the-art, handheld device that accurately measures oxygen consumption (VO2) to determine resting metabolic rate (RMR)*.
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The technology, developed by HealtheTech, works by measuring the Resting Metabolic Rate or RMR, which is the number of calories the body burns to maintain essential functions such as heart rate, brain activity and breathing.
RMR can represent up to 75 per cent of the total metabolism in someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle, and is therefore an important factor in how efficiently calories will be burned off.
The machine, which has four sensors, works by measuring the difference between the amount of oxygen inhaled and exhaled.
The sensors take into account surrounding air conditions--the pressure, humidity, temperature and oxygen levels--and from that it calculates how much oxygen is used with each breath.
Metabolism is the biochemical process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy our bodies need to function. Metabolism is typically measured in kilocalories or more commonly, calories. Total metabolic rate represents the calories needed for maintaining body functions, daily activity (occupational and lifestyle), and the energy cost of exercise or planned activity.
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the calories the body burns to maintain vital body functions (heart rate, brain function, and breathing). In simple terms, it is the number of calories a person would burn if they were awake, but at rest all day. RMR can represent up to 75% of a person’s total metabolism if they are inactive or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Since RMR accounts for up to 75% of the total calories we need each day, it’s a critical piece of information to appropriately establish daily caloric needs, whether we’re trying to lose or maintain weight. Most healthcare and fitness professionals recognize that metabolism is impacted by a variety of characteristics such as fever, illness, high fitness, obesity, active weight loss, etc.
Traditionally, healthcare professional have not had access to sophisticated measurement technology and have relied on estimates of RMR. Because metabolism is different among individuals, estimating can lead to errors, and incorrect calorie budgets. As a result of these estimates, individuals can be over eating or under eating, and not be successful in reaching their personal goals.
The most accurate assessment of caloric needs is by measuring oxygen consumption and determining individual metabolism.
The Med Gem device is a tool that will provide information vital for determining a personalized caloric budget, based on individual metabolism, necessary to achieve and maintain proper weight and nutrition.
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