So as our BMR is the number of calories that we burn without doing anything, it would be hugely beneficial to increase this number in any way possible (and also increasing TDEE is important but that is another topic altogether). This can be done by increasing muscle mass. Muscle is active tissue and requires energy constantly in order to complete all of its cellular processes. Hence, it can be shown that a higher muscle mass increases BMR, because there is more muscle requiring energy to function every second. This can be beneficial for weight loss as an increase in muscle mass will increase BMR and TDEE as a direct result, creating a calorie deficit.
Not only does increasing muscle mass have positive effects on BMR and visceral fat levels, resistance training which increases muscle mass also increases caloric expenditure post-exercise (another post to come).nd insulin resistance. However, with a higher muscle mass (in particular in the lower limbs), there was a decreased visceral fat mass. This is a fantastic indicator that increasing muscle mass is very beneficial to an individual's health.
Not only does increasing muscle mass have positive effects on BMR and visceral fat levels, resistance training which increases muscle mass also increases caloric expenditure post exercise.
References:
Zurlo, F., Larson, K., Bogardus, C., & Ravussin, E. (1990). Skeletal muscle metabolism is a major determinant of resting energy expenditure. Journal Of Clinical Investigation, 86(5), 1423-1427. doi: 10.1172/jci1148
Yagi, S., Kadota, M., Aihara, K., Nishikawa, K., Hara, T., & Ise, T. et al. (2014). Association of lower limb muscle mass and energy expenditure with visceral fat mass in healthy men. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 6(1), 27. doi: 10.1186/1758-5996-6-27