WHAT IS METABOLISM?

Metabolism is the biochemical process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy our bodies need to function. Metabolism is typically measured in kilocalories or more commonly referred to as just simply, calories. Total calories burned in a 24hr period is often referred to as Total Energy Equivalent and represents the calories burned from maintaining body functions, daily activity (occupational and lifestyle), and the energy cost of exercise or planned activity.

WHAT IS "RESTING METABOLIC RATE"?

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the energy required to perform vital body functions at rest. About 50 to 75% of one's daily energy expenditure can be attributed to resting metabolic rate.

WHY IS KNOWING RMR IMPORTANT?

RMR accounts for up to 75% of the total calories needed each day to sustain life, therefore it’s a critical piece of information to appropriately establish daily calorie needs especially when trying to lose weight.  Traditionally, healthcare professionals, who have not had access to measurement technology, have relied on estimating RMR using equations based on height and weight. Because metabolism is different among individuals, estimating can lead to errors, and inaccurate calorie budgets. As a result of these estimates, individuals can be both over- or under-eating, and not be successful
in reaching their personal goals. The
most accurate assessment of caloric needs is by measuring oxygen consumption and determining individual
metabolism. 

WHAT IS MedGem?

The MedGem® device by Microlife is a clinically-validated and FDA 510K-cleared, class II, medical device for measurement of patient resting metabolic rate (RMR).
MedGem is a handheld device that accurately measures oxygen consumption (VO2) to determine resting metabolic rate (RMR)*. Measurements made with MedGem provide accurate results in only a few minutes and an easy, noninvasive test for patients to complete.

What Do the Experts Say

 "The MedGem may be a useful clinical tool when the Delta-Trac indirect calorimeter is not available....5 predictive equations compared to the MedGem measurement found none of the equations had acceptable bias and precision among overweight and obese adults."
Ziegler et al. 2010
 
"The portable MedGem may assist research dietitians in determining energy needs of racially diverse populations of middle-aged overweight and obese women."
Spears et al. 2009
 
"The use of the MedGem may provide clinicians a diagnostic tool for tailoring a nutrition message specific to each client."
McDoniel et al. 2008
 
"Cardiac output determinations made with the MedGem's measurements of oxygen uptake are clinically acceptable."
Shepherd et al. 2007
 
 "The MedGem hand-held indirect calorimeter has potential application in clinical evaluations in which typical metabolic carts or other standard methods  are not practical.”  
Fields et al. 2006
 
“ The MedGem can be used to accurately measure oxygen consumption and  RMR in capacities where a traditional metabolic cart would not be practical or cost-effective.”   
Stewart et al. 2005
 
"The MedGem provides a quick and convenient estimate of RMR in children that  is accurate and reliable, and should facilitate the process of pediatric weight management counseling.”    
Nieman et al. 2005 

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