The basal metabolism of an adult woman is usually around 1200~1300kcal a day. Basal metabolism is the minimum energy requirement for all organs of the body to sustain life and is usually expressed in terms of basal metabolic rate, with reference to an individual’s height, weight, age and other factors. Normally, men have a higher basal metabolic rate than women, and older basal metabolic rates are lower than younger basal metabolic rates. The basal metabolism of an adult female is around 1200~1300kcal a day. The common formula for basal metabolic rate is (pulse rate + pulse pressure) – 111, which is normal if it does not exceed or fall below 15% of the normal value. The basal metabolic rate is a major aid in the clinical diagnosis of thyroid disorders. It may be significantly higher in hyperthyroidism and lower in hypothyroidism. It is recommended to seek prompt medical attention if an abnormal basal metabolic rate occurs.