resting energy expenditure
Quick Summary
Resting energy expenditure (REE) refers to the energy your body uses for basic metabolic processes, even when you're at rest. This includes functions like breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining body temperature.1
The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a precise measure of this energy expenditure under strict conditions, typically measured after a period of fasting and rest. REE is a more practical measurement taken under less stringent conditions, usually a few hours after a meal, and is very similar to BMR.21
Factors influencing REE include lean body mass, age, sex, and thyroid hormone levels. Organs like the liver, brain, and heart are the most metabolically active. Physical activity is the most variable component of daily energy expenditure, accounting for 20-40%.1
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