Knowing your metabolic rate can make a big difference in your weight loss success. After all, from a scientific standpoint, losing weight is simple. The key is to cut calories. Whether you have weight loss surgery or simply follow a healthy diet plan, when you reduce your calorie intake below the number of calories your body needs to keep you alive, you lose weight.

But, what is a calorie, exactly? And how can we know the number of calories our bodies need to stay alive?

Understanding Your Metabolic Rate