Metabolic testing involves measuring various aspects of an individual's metabolism, such as their basal metabolic rate (BMR), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), substrate utilization (e.g., carbohydrates vs. fats), and more.

Metabolic testing helps individuals and healthcare professionals understand their unique metabolic needs, which can be essential for weight management, athletic performance, and overall health.

BMR is the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain basic physiological functions like breathing and cell repair. It's a critical factor in determining daily calorie requirements.

TDEE is the total number of calories your body needs in a day, taking into account physical activity and BMR. It's a more accurate estimate of daily calorie needs than BMR alone.

Substrate utilization refers to the proportion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins your body uses for energy. Metabolic testing can determine if your body predominantly burns carbohydrates or fats during different activities.

Metabolic testing can be beneficial for individuals seeking weight management, athletes looking to optimize performance, and people with specific health conditions where metabolism plays a crucial role. Metabolic testing can also provide you with insight as to how your body is aging and what you can do about it.

VO2 max testing measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It's often used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and can inform exercise prescription.

The frequency of metabolic testing depends on your goals and circumstances. Some individuals may benefit from periodic testing to track changes in metabolism, while others may only need it once for baseline information.

A metabolic rate test will determine your unique substrate utilization. This will influence meal timing because it indicates when your body may be most efficient at using certain nutrients for energy and what you should eat before activities to maximize your performance.