MedGemä
Indirect Calorimetry
Indirect calorimetry is a
measurement to determine your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). RMR represents the
number of calories your body requires to maintain vital body functions such
heart rate, blood circulation, respiration, digestion and brain function
at complete rest during a 24-hour period.
People’s metabolisms are
not created equal. Two people can have the same height, weight, sex and age but
burn calories at different rates. In some cases, even identical twins don’t
have the same RMR.
The MedGemä
is a quick and accurate way to measure your unique metabolism. By measuring
your oxygen consumption (VO2), your RMR can be calculated to a level
of accuracy of 99%. Using your RMR, your daily caloric needs can be calculated
to enable you to know how many calories you need to consume each day to achieve
your weight maintenance goals.
Traditionally, metabolism
has been calculated by basic equations or using heavy, expensive machines.
Traditional calculations based on age, activity level, and sex can be inaccurate
and do not account for individual differences in genetics, diet, hormone levels
and many other variants. The MedGemä
is a tool that measures individual metabolism and provides unique information
for everyone.
Appointment Information
The cost of the test is $50
To schedule an appointment, contact the Tulane
Student Health
Center lab at 865-5255, extension 240
The actual test takes approximately 10 minutes
but allow 20 to 30 minutes for resting and prep time. Results are available
immediately
Information on how to interpret your results
will be provided. For detailed information about the MedGemä,
contact the Wellness and Health Promotion Department at 865-5255, extension 237
Before
your appointment:
(VERY IMPORTANT)
- Arrive early to rest for
10-15 minutes before test
- Do not eat for 4 hours
before test
- Do not exercise for at
least 4 hours before test
- Do not consume caffeine
for at least 4 hours before test
- Do not consume
nutritional supplements or medications containing ephedra, Ma Huang, or
pseudoephedrine for at least 2 hours before test
- Do not consume nicotine
for at least 1 hour before test
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