Total Energy Expenditure

Definition

Total energy expenditure (TEE) is the sum of basal metabolism (60-70%), thermogenesis of food (10%), and energy expenditure related to physical activity (20-30%).

How it works

TEE is calculated by multiplying basal metabolism by the physical activity factor (PAF): sedentary × 1.4, lightly active × 1.6, active × 1.8, very active × 2.0. Thermogenesis of food represents the energy spent on digestion, higher for proteins (25-30% vs 5-10% for carbohydrates).

Role

Determine actual caloric needs to maintain, lose, or gain weight.

Examples

• Sedentary 30-year-old woman: basal metabolism 1450 × 1.4 = 2030 kcal, active male athlete: basal metabolism 1800 × 2.0 = 3600 kcal

Recommendations

Calculate TEE based on actual activity level and adjust intake according to goals (deficit -300 to -500 kcal to lose weight).

Key takeaway

Total energy expenditure varies from simple to double based on physical activity level.

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