Basal Metabolism

Basal metabolism is the amount of energy the body uses to maintain vital functions, such as breathing, keeping the body warm, and keeping the heart beating. Even while rest, this basal metabolism consumes a significant amount of energy in a 24-hour day.

60% - 70% of daily energy use is for basal metabolism. The total amount of energy burned by the body in a typical day is as follows.

Basal metabolism = Energy required to maintain vital functions
Daily activity metabolism = Energy used for daily activities such as commuting to work, work, household chores, hobbies, etc.
Diet-induced thermo genesis = Energy emitted after eating a meal.

The ratio of these is 60%-70% for basal metabolism, 20%-30% for daily activity, and 10% for Diet-induced thermo genesis. This means that basal metabolism accounts for most of our daily energy consumption. If our daily food intake exceed amount of energy required for these activities, the additional energy is stored as fat.

Basal metabolism reduces as we get older Basal metabolism level peaks in late teens and then gradually reduces over the years. This leads to reductions in the body's functions as we get older and in particular, it is one of the main causes for muscle reduction as we get older.

Even when not being used to move parts of the body, muscles burn energy throughout the day to generate heat for the body and is part of the basal metabolism. As the amount of muscle decreases, so does the amount of energy burned. If people continue to eat the same amount of food as when they are younger, then they develop "middle-age spread".

In order to avoid this, it is important to know your basal metabolism and maintain muscles through exercise.