Resting Metabolic Rate Measurement
Using the modern, advanced PNOĒ device, we measure the client’s calorie burning at rest and see their energy requirements accurately in about 10 minutes.
It is a very useful test, as resting metabolism accounts for 60–75% of the energy we use every day. Thanks to the reliability of the results, we know the body’s energy needs precisely and create a personalised nutrition programme, adapted to the needs of each person, whether they exercise or not.
PNOĒ is a portable breath-based metabolic analyser, used internationally in sports performance centres, longevity clinics and specialised health units.
What the PNOĒ resting test measures
The measurement does not only give your resting calories. It gives a complete picture of your metabolism and breathing:
- Resting metabolic rate (RMR): how many calories you burn at complete rest
- Calorie balance: how many calories you need to lose, maintain or gain weight, on days with and without exercise
- Energy sources: what percentage of your energy comes from fat and what from carbohydrates at rest
- Fat-burning efficiency: how well your cells use fat as fuel
- Metabolic flexibility: how easily the body «switches fuel» between fat and carbohydrates
- Respiratory indicators: ventilation efficiency, breathing coordination, lung utilisation
- Heart rate variability (HRV): balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, i.e. stress and recovery
- Biological age (estimate): compared with your chronological age
How the measurement is done
You breathe calmly through a special mask, seated and relaxed. PNOĒ analyses your breathing breath-by-breath using indirect calorimetry and measures:
- Oxygen consumption (VO₂)
- Carbon dioxide production (VCO₂)
Indirect calorimetry is considered the reference method (gold standard) for measuring resting metabolism. In a published study, PNOĒ measurements agreed with a laboratory reference system.
Rest and exercise
The PNOĒ device can also measure during exercise (on a treadmill or bike). This test gives VO₂ max and personalised training zones. It is a separate test. This service concerns the measurement at rest.
For the exercise test contact us.
Used internationally
PNOĒ technology is used in:
- Longevity clinics
- Sports performance laboratories
- Sports science centres
- Professional athletes
- Wellness centres
See exactly what you get
After the measurement you receive a detailed report with all the indicators: your resting metabolism in calories, the calories you need to lose or maintain weight, the ratio of fat to carbohydrate burning, your respiratory function, heart rate variability (HRV), your metabolic flexibility and an estimate of your biological age. It is not just a number — it is your metabolic map.
What is Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)?
Resting metabolism, often called «basal metabolism», is the energy your body uses at complete rest just to function: to keep the heart beating, the body temperature stable, and breathing and the brain working. It accounts for 60–75% of your total daily energy expenditure — that is, much more than you burn at the gym.
It is not the same for everyone. It is determined by the size and composition of the body, as muscle mass burns significantly more than fat tissue, as well as by sex, age, hormonal profile, medication and your fitness level. That is why two people with the same weight may need completely different calories.
The prediction equations commonly used simply give a statistical estimate for the average person. Measurement with PNOĒ gives your own number, calculated from your own breathing.
Read more: Metabolism: what it is, how it is measured and 7 habits that support it
When is the measurement worth doing?
The PNOĒ measurement makes sense at every stage of a nutrition effort, but it is particularly useful in the following cases:
- At your first visit to the dietetic office, as the basis on which the programme will be designed
- At a follow-up during the process, to see how your metabolism has adapted
- In hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity, in cooperation with the treating doctor
- When you gain weight easily even though you follow your programme faithfully
- For athletes and exercisers aiming for performance
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, when energy needs change significantly
Requirements for the Metabolic Measurement
- No alcohol for 24 hours before the measurement
- No food or drink of any kind for 4 hours beforehand. A little water is allowed.
- No smoking for 4 hours beforehand
- Avoid any form of exercise for at least 8 hours before your scheduled appointment
- Avoid caffeine, food supplements and medicines containing ephedrine, Ma Huang or pseudoephedrine for at least 4 hours before the measurement. Do not stop medicines prescribed by your doctor without their agreement.
- You should be at rest for 20 minutes before the test
- Measurement duration: about 10 minutes
- Breath-by-breath analysis with indirect calorimetry
- Detailed 17-page report with all the indicators
- Interpretation of the results by the dietitian
The measurement takes place at our office in Thessaloniki.
At our office in Drama, the metabolic measurement is done with the Fitmate device. See the RMR measurement
Frequently asked questions
How much does the PNOĒ measurement cost?
80 €.
Where is it done?
At our office in Thessaloniki. In Drama, metabolism is measured with the Fitmate device.
How long does it take?
The measurement takes about 10 minutes. Before it, 20 minutes of rest are needed.
How is it done?
You breathe calmly through a special mask while seated. The device measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in every breath (indirect calorimetry).
How should I prepare?
No food or drinks for 4 hours (a little water is allowed), no alcohol for 24 hours, no smoking or caffeine for 4 hours and no exercise for at least 8 hours. Do not stop any medication without your doctor's approval.
What do I receive?
A detailed 17-page report and interpretation of the results by the dietitian.