Thermic Effect of Food

Definition

The thermic effect of food (TEF) is the energy your body uses to digest, absorb, and process nutrients from the food you eat.

Scientific / Technical Definition

The thermic effect of food (TEF) is the increase in metabolic rate after ingestion of a meal, which represents the energy expended to process food for use and storage. This includes energy used for digestion, absorption, transportation, and metabolism of nutrients.

Benefits

• Helps estimate total daily energy expenditure.
• Aids in understanding metabolic rate fluctuations.
• Plays a role in energy balance and weight management.

Examples

• Foods high in protein have a higher TEF compared to carbohydrates and fats.
• When you eat a meal, the energy used to process it can increase your overall metabolic rate temporarily.

Additional Information

• Importance: Understanding TEF is crucial for developing effective weight management strategies and energy balance plans.

Related Terms

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

References

• Thermic effect of food and its implications for weight management
• The thermic effect of food and obesity: critical review