Understanding BMR: Your Body's Energy Budget

Menopause doesn’t just bring hot flashes and mood swings—it also changes how your body burns energy. If you’ve noticed it feels harder to lose weight (or easier to gain it), you’re not imagining things. Your metabolism is shifting—and understanding your BMR and TDEE can help you take back the reins.

What Is BMR?

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs just to keep you alive and functioning—breathing, circulating blood, maintaining body temperature, and supporting vital organs—while at complete rest. Think of it as your “survival calories.” You’d burn this amount even if you stayed in bed all day.

What Is TDEE?

Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) builds on your BMR by accounting for all your daily activity—walking, exercising, cleaning, even fidgeting. TDEE = BMR + Movement + Digestion (yes, digesting food burns calories too) This number gives a fuller picture of how many calories you burn on an average day. And it’s the number you want to know when thinking about:

• Maintaining your current weight

• Losing weight

• Gaining muscle

Why These Numbers Matter During Menopause

In menopause and perimenopause, estrogen levels drop—which can affect muscle mass, energy levels, and fat storage. As muscle declines, so can your BMR. That means you might be burning fewer calories even if your routine hasn’t changed. Understanding your own numbers gives you a realistic, personalized foundation for managing weight without falling into the trap of overly restrictive diets or impossible exercise plans.

How Do I Use These Numbers?

Once you know your TDEE, here’s the general rule of thumb:

• To maintain weight: Eat close to your TDEE

• To lose weight: Eat slightly less than your TDEE (usually 300–500 calories less)

• To gain muscle/weight: Eat slightly more than your TDEE

Here’s the empowering part: small, steady shifts can lead to meaningful changes over time—especially when paired with protein-rich meals, strength-building movement, and stress support (all of which help balance hormones too).

💪 Speaking of protein… If you’re trying to maintain or build muscle (especially during midlife), getting enough protein is key.

Not sure how much you actually need? Check out our Menopause Protein Calculator to get a customized target based on your age, weight, and activity level.

How Long Will It Take to Reach My Goal?

That depends on:

• How much you want to lose or gain

• How much of a daily calorie shift you make

• How active you are

• Your sleep, stress, and hormone levels

Our calculator below can help you estimate a realistic timeframe—so you can set smart goals with a sense of clarity and confidence.

Try the BMR & Weight Goal Calculator Use our simple tool to:

• Find out how many calories your body burns each day

• Estimate how long it might take to reach your goal weight

• Get a personalized range based on your real-life activity level

Let’s replace confusion with clarity—and pressure with progress.