TDEE, which stands for total daily energy expenditure, represents the overall energy a person utilizes in a single day. Determining TDEE with precision can be challenging, as it fluctuates daily. Typically, it is estimated by considering factors such as an individual’s basal metabolic rate (BMR), activity level, and the thermic effect of food.

Now, let’s delve into the concept of BMR:

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) refers to the rate at which a person expends energy while at rest in a moderate environment, with the digestive system inactive. Essentially, it represents the minimum energy required solely to sustain vital organs.

TDEE, short for total daily energy expenditure, represents the overall energy utilized by an individual within a single day. Determining TDEE precisely can be challenging due to its daily fluctuations. Typically, it is approximated considering factors such as basal metabolic rate (BMR), activity level, and the thermic effect of food.

Basal metabolic rate:

BMR signifies the rate at which an individual consumes energy while at rest in a moderate environment, with the digestive system inactive. Essentially, it reflects the minimum energy necessary to sustain vital organs.

Activity level:

Activity level considers the extent of physical activity engaged in by an individual, encompassing deliberate exercise and routine daily tasks. These elements are further delineated as the thermic effect of activity and non-exercise activity thermogenesis, encompassing energy expended beyond sleeping, eating, or formal exercise.

Thermic effect of food:

The thermic effect of food, also known as specific dynamic action, denotes the energy expended by the body to digest and utilize consumed food. Although often estimated at around 10% of food energy intake, this figure can significantly vary depending on the food type. For instance, protein elicits a greater thermic effect compared to dietary fat due to its higher metabolic processing demands.