What is the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in kcal/day for a 57kg man?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: November 23, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Basal Metabolic Rate for a 57kg Man

For a 57kg man, the basal metabolic rate is approximately 1,140 kcal/day, calculated using the simplified approach of 20 kcal/kg body weight per day for resting energy expenditure. 1

Calculation Approach

The most straightforward method uses the weight-based estimation of approximately 20 kcal/kg/day for basal metabolic rate in adults. 1 This yields:

  • 57 kg × 20 kcal/kg = 1,140 kcal/day

This represents the resting energy expenditure (REE), which differs by less than 10% from true basal metabolic rate (BMR) measured under strict conditions. 1

Alternative Calculation Methods

Harris-Benedict Equation

If using the Harris-Benedict equation (the most validated predictive equation), you need additional parameters: 2

  • Formula for men: BEE = 66.4730 + 13.7516 × weight(kg) + 5.0033 × height(cm) - 6.7550 × age(years) 2
  • This equation requires height and age data not provided in your question

Lean Body Mass Method

The most accurate single predictor of BMR is lean body mass, using the equation: BMR = 500 + 22 × LBM(kg). 3 However, this requires body composition assessment, which is not typically available in routine clinical practice. 3

Important Clinical Considerations

The 20 kcal/kg estimate represents basal needs only—not total daily energy requirements. 1 To determine total energy expenditure:

  • Multiply BMR by physical activity level (PAL): 1.2 for lying awake, 1.4-1.5 for light activity, 1.7 for moderate activity 1
  • For a sedentary but ambulatory person: 1,140 × 1.5 = approximately 1,710 kcal/day 4

Age significantly affects metabolic rate—older adults have 13% lower BMR than younger adults due to decreased fat-free mass. 4 Without knowing the patient's age, the 20 kcal/kg estimate provides a reasonable middle-ground approximation. 1

Ethnicity matters for accuracy—current prediction equations overestimate BMR in tropical populations by 8% and in African-Americans compared to Caucasians. 5, 6 Standard equations were developed primarily on Caucasian populations from decades ago. 5

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Calculating Basal Energy Expenditure for Underweight Patients with Severe Stress

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

A reanalysis of the factors influencing basal metabolic rate in normal adults.

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 1980

Research

Energy requirements and energy expenditure of elderly men.

The American journal of clinical nutrition, 1980

Research

Are basal metabolic rate prediction equations appropriate for female children and adolescents?

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 1996

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.