Caloric Expenditure
Definition
Caloric expenditure is the number of calories your body uses to carry out basic bodily functions and physical activity over a certain period of time.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Caloric expenditure refers to the total amount of energy, measured in calories, that an organism uses to maintain essential physiological processes such as respiration, circulation, and digestion, as well as energy expended during physical activity. It includes the components of basal metabolic rate, thermic effect of food, and energy used in physical activities.
Benefits
- Helps in understanding energy balance and weight management.
- Assists in tailoring nutritional and exercise programs.
- Can provide insight into metabolic health.
Examples
- Running increases caloric expenditure compared to walking.
- Calories burned during daily activities like cleaning or gardening.
Additional Information
- effects: Caloric expenditure affects weight management by influencing whether the body stores excess calories as fat or utilizes stored energy for activities.
Last updated: 10/18/2024