kaloriförbränningen

Kaloriförbränningen, often referred to as metabolism, is the process by which the body converts food and drink into energy. This energy is then used for all bodily functions, from breathing and circulation to physical activity and cell repair. The rate at which an individual burns calories is known as their metabolic rate.

Several factors influence an individual's caloric expenditure. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy required to maintain basic life functions at rest. This includes breathing, maintaining body temperature, and circulation. The thermic effect of food (TEF) is the energy used to digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients. Physical activity, including both structured exercise and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), accounts for the remaining portion of daily calorie burn.

Individual differences in metabolic rate can be attributed to genetics, age, sex, body composition (muscle mass burns more calories than fat mass), and hormonal factors. Understanding calorie expenditure is fundamental to managing body weight, as a calorie deficit (burning more calories than consumed) leads to weight loss, while a calorie surplus (consuming more calories than burned) leads to weight gain. Maintaining a healthy metabolism involves a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.