Covered by most extended health insurance with HSA plans.
Know Your Actual Metabolic Rate
What is Metabolic Testing?
Metabolic testing enables you to know precisely your body’s metabolic rate, so you can tailor your diet, exercise, and goals with confidence.
We use Indirect calorimetry devices, the 'Gold Standard' in measuring Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)*. See study
Research has shown that for people with a BMI of 30 or more formulas that predict metabolic rates to within ±10% of the measured value were only accurate ∼40% of the time, regardless of gender and weight classification. In clinical weight management settings direct measures of RMR should be made wherever possible. (see study)
*Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is your body's energy expenditure at rest.
Is Metabolic Testing Right for you?
You may want to get a metabolic test done if,
- You are starting a new weight loss program.
- you are on a 1000 - 1300 calorie meal plan but have not lost any weight.
- you are weaning off of Ozempic, Saxenda, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Zedbound or Mounjaro.
- you have lost weight and are now transitioning to weight maintenance.
- you had bariatric surgery and your weight has plateaued >2 months.
- you are working with a physician, dietician or personal trainer.
- you have certain medical conditions such as severe obstructive sleep apnea, Cushing’s syndrome, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, sub clinical (untreated) Hypothyroidism and a physician has specifically requested to test your Metabolism.
Have Extended Health Insurance? You may be covered.
Many extended health insurance plans with Health Spending Accounts cover the cost of metabolic diagnostic screening when prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner. Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you for Metabolic Dagnostic Screening. Give them the link below for instant, direct referral:
ThamesDX.com/refer-a-patient
Our Metabolic Testing Clinics
- Book an appointment at any of our metabolic testing clinics: $149.
Private in-home Metabolic Testing
- Private in-home service available: $225
- in Vancouver, West & North Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond - Monday and Friday: 6:00am to 7:30am, Sunday: 2pm - 4pm.
- Surrey & Maple Ridge on evenings & weekends only.
What to Expect
Preparing For Your Test
The metabolic analyzer accurately measures your resting metabolic rate (RMR). To ensure accuracy, you need to be in a true resting state.
Best results for RMR tests are achieved when testing is performed,
- 6 hours or more after food consumption
- stimulants have been avoided for 8 hours,
- no exercise that day.
At The Metabolic Clinic
On arrival, please check in with reception then take a seat and relax. Before you enter the testing room, the metabolic technician will sanitize all objects used during the procedure. Your weight and height will be measured. When the test room and equipment are ready, the metabolic technician will invite you to enter the testing room.
In The Testing Room
Once in the testing room, you will be invited to sit comfortably and relax. The metabolic technician will then open a sanitary single use breathing tube and mouthpiece. One end of the breathing tube will be connected to the metabolic analyzer. You will be asked to place the mouthpiece comfortably in your mouth and make a seal around the mouthpiece. Next, a nose clip will be placed on your nose to ensure that all of the air you breathe out will be analyzed. Relax and breathe normally - no differently than breathing through a snorkel. The air you breathe in is from the room. The air you breathe out goes into the metabolic analyzer.
During The Test
If you need to swallow, moisten your lips, sneeze or cough once or twice during the test, simply remove the mouthpiece from your mouth, cough or sneeze as you require. Then replace the mouthpiece in your mouth and do your best to relax. This short disruption will not impact your test result.
Relax, Breath Naturally
Data from erratic breathing is discarded. The sooner you reach and maintain a relaxed steady-state, the shorter the test. The average length is 10 minutes but it can take longer for patients who struggle to relax. Once the test is complete the metabolic technician will enter some basic data and the results will be generated digitally and emailed to the email you provided when you made your appointment.
Results & Reports Provided
- Resting Metabolic Rate (also known as Resting Energy Expenditure) in calories/day.
- Indication of abnormally slow or fast metabolism and % deviation compared to predicted normal. For health providers comparison to MSJ, Harris–Benedict (1918 & 1919), and WHO 1985 equations as each has its own limitations.
- Daily calorie deficit (range) recommended for weight loss (consult Health Care Provider for caloric intake recommendation).
- Report & supporting information emailed directly to patient.
- Detailed report faxed to referring Health Care Provider (if MSP # or RD # and fax # are provided).