This document discusses basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the minimum amount of energy required by the body at rest to maintain vital functions. BMR can be measured using closed or open circuit devices and accounts for 35-38% of daily calorie needs in adults. Factors that affect BMR include surface area, sex, age, physical activity, hormones, environment, disease status, and starvation. Measuring BMR is important for calculating calorie requirements, dietary planning, and assessing thyroid function.