Exciting news! Here at Rite Bite Nutrition Counseling, PLLC, we just added a game-changer to the practice. We are now a facility that tests metabolic rates. That's right, we will know FOR SURE how many calories you are burning by using a high-end piece of equipment typically used in high acuity hospitals and research labs. We are one of a handful of places on Long Island to have this equipment. We are so excited!
Traditionally many nutrition facilities use a few different equations to assess a patients calorie and protein needs however, it is based on the average person. This means, we are missing the mark on individuals who have a naturally slow (or fast) metabolism. If you don't fall within the average rate, then we could be off on our measures for calorie counting. These formulas are all based off of the gold standard: indirect calorimeters.
What is an Indirect Calorimeter?
Indirect calorimetry is a measure of a patients Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), which measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. This measurement provides an assessment of energy expenditure (i.e. calories). Clinicians have used indirect calorimetry to optimize a patients nutritional requirements especially in metabolic disorders as well as critically ill ICU patients.
What is a Metabolic Rate or Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process of converting food (calories) into energy. The efficiency with which your body does this is referred to as your metabolic rate. Many factors affect a person’s metabolic rate: weight, age, body composition, hormone levels, and gender making it a highly unique number.
Why Test your Metabolic Rate?
Understanding your body’s unique metabolic rate will allow your dietitian to customize your weight loss or maintenance program around your needs.
It can screen for a slowed metabolism that may explain frustrated attempts to lose weight in the past.
It can reveal changes in your metabolism during the weight loss process that can help trouble shoot a frustrating plateau.
Once you reach your goal, an RMR measurement can give you the precise caloric prescription for maintenance to help you sustain that goal weight.
How does the test work?
KORR Metabolic Analyzers utilize the same technology as ICU metabolic testing. Because every calorie a person consumes requires a fixed amount of oxygen to be converted to energy, the KORR Analyzer measures the oxygen you consume to calculate calories burned. All of the air exhaled by the patient must be collected to measure oxygen consumption. Two one-way valves in the KORR MetaBreather ensure that only fresh air is inhaled and all exhaled gas passes through the hose and into the machine. A nose-clip ensures that all exhaled air is analyzed.
Preparing for the Test
In order to get the most accurate results, it is important to follow the standard protocol for a Resting Metabolic Rate test:
You should avoid eating 4 hours before the test.
Avoid exercising prior to your test.
If possible, avoid the use of stimulants such as caffeine.
During the Test
During the test you will be invited to sit or recline in a comfortable position. You will be given a KORR MetaBreather mouthpiece to breathe in to. You will be breathing in air from the room, but the gas that you breathe out will go into the metabolic analyzer to measure your metabolic rate.
Relax and close your eyes during the test.
Keep lips sealed lightly around the MetaBreather. It is important that all the air you breathe out is analyzed
In just 10 minutes, your metabolic rate will be measured.
After the Test
You will receive a printout from your test explaining your metabolic results (listed below). If you are an active patient or a new patient your dietitian will use this information to help design specific and tailored nutrition plan. We recommend using this test in tandem with our meal planning app (although not necessary) so we can optimize nutrition even further with a structured meal plan.
If you are interested in metabolic testing we are offering testing starting next week to both patients and the public. Please call our office at 631-509-5544 or book online here to schedule your metabolic test. With nutrition counseling typically covered with no copay, tit's a no brainer expense (less than what two copayments would be).
Need more information? Check out this video on what the testing looks like:
Jacqueline Iannone, MS, RDN, CDN
Post adapted from KORR Medical Technologies, RMR Webpg template
Σχόλια