Definition

1. Noun:
   • The amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state: Basal metabolism refers to the minimum rate of energy expenditure needed to sustain vital bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell production while at complete physical and mental rest.

Usage

• Basal metabolism is typically measured under very controlled conditions: after a full night's sleep, in a thermally neutral environment, and in a fasting state (usually 12 hours since the last meal).
• It represents the largest component of a person's daily energy expenditure for most individuals.
• The value is often expressed in calories or kilojoules per unit of time (e.g., calories per day).

Examples

• Noun:
  • A person's basal metabolism accounts for about 60-70% of their total daily energy use.
  • To measure basal metabolism accurately, the subject must be in a post-absorptive state.
  • Factors like age, body composition, and thyroid function can influence an individual's basal metabolic rate.

Advanced Usage

• "to measure/determine basal metabolism": The process of quantifying the energy required for basic life-sustaining functions.
  • The clinic uses a calorimeter to precisely measure a patient's basal metabolism.
• Concept in comparison: Often discussed in contrast to active or total metabolism.
  • Your total daily energy need is your basal metabolism plus the energy used for physical activity and food digestion.

Variants and Related Words

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) (n): A more precise term for the numerical rate or measurement of basal metabolism.
  • His Basal Metabolic Rate was calculated to be 1,650 calories per day.
• Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) (n): A closely related term, often used interchangeably in casual contexts, though it may be measured under slightly less strict conditions.
  • The fitness tracker provides an estimate of your Resting Metabolic Rate.

Synonyms

• Resting energy expenditure: The energy used by the body at rest.
• Basal energy expenditure: Another term for the energy required for fundamental physiological processes.

Related Phrases

• "to have a high/low basal metabolism": Describing an individual's inherent rate of energy use at rest.
  • Athletes often have a higher basal metabolism due to greater muscle mass.

Noun

1. the amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state