Resting Energy Expenditure

Definition

Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) is the amount of calories your body needs to maintain basic bodily functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production while at rest.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) is a measure of the energy expended by an individual at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, in the post-absorptive state (i.e., digesting is inactive), and is responsible for maintaining fundamental physiological functions. REE accounts for the majority of an individual's total daily energy expenditure and is influenced by factors such as muscle mass, age, sex, and genetics.

Benefits

• Understanding REE can help tailor dietary and exercise plans for weight management.
• Helps in calculating total energy expenditure for individuals with specific metabolic needs.
• Provides insight into the metabolic health of an individual.

Examples

• Calculating REE is common in dietetic consultations to assess caloric needs.
• REE measurements are used in clinical trials to determine metabolic effects of interventions.

Additional Information

• Importance: Understanding and measuring REE is crucial for developing personalized health and nutrition plans, particularly for individuals aiming to lose weight, gain muscle, or manage chronic health conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Related Terms

• Basal Metabolic Rate
• Total Daily Energy Expenditure
• Metabolism
• Caloric Intake Requirements

References

• Principles of Exercise Testing and Interpretation: Including Pathophysiology and Clinical Applications
• Mifflin St Jeor Equation for Calculating Resting Metabolic Rate