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INFORMATION ON BODY COMPOSITION
RESTING METABOLISM
Regardless of your activity level, a minimum level of caloric intake is required to sustain the body’s
everyday functions. Known as the resting metabolism, this indicates how many calories you need to
ingest in order to provide enough energy for your body to function.
60-70% of daily energy use is for resting metabolism
The total amount of energy used by the body in a typical day is as follows:
The ratio of these is 60%-70% for resting metabolism, 20%-30% for daily activity, and 10% for diet
induced thermogenesis. This means that resting metabolism accounts for most of our daily energy
consumption.
If our daily caloric intake exceeds the amount of energy required for these activities, the additional
calories can be stored as fat.
Resting metabolism
Energy required to maintain vital functions.
Daily activity metabolism
Energy used for daily activities such as
commuting to work, household chores,
hobbies etc.
Diet-induced thermogenesis
Energy emitted after eating a meal.
Food
Daily activity metabolism
Diet-induced thermogenesis
Resting metabolism
Calories
Calories
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