Total energy expenditure is approximately the sum of basal metabolic rate, the thermic effect of food, and activity energy expenditure.

• A. Basal metabolic rate, the thermic effect of food, and activity energy expenditure
• B. Resting energy expenditure, dietary thermogenesis, and metabolic turnover
• C. Basal energy expenditure, diet-induced thermogenesis, and energy storage
• D. Activity energy expenditure, basal energy expenditure, and life energy

Answer: (A)

Total energy expenditure comes from three main parts: the energy the body uses to keep basic functions running at rest, the energy cost of digesting and processing the food you eat, and the energy you burn through all movement and activity. Basal metabolic rate represents the calories needed for essential bodily processes when you’re resting. The thermic effect of food accounts for the energy required to digest, absorb, and utilize nutrients. Activity energy expenditure covers calories burned during planned exercise plus everyday movements and non-exercise activity. Adding these together gives a good approximation of total energy expenditure.

Other choices mix terms that aren’t part of the standard breakdown (for example, energy storage refers to storing energy rather than expending it, and life energy isn’t a defined component). Some terms are close (resting energy expenditure is similar to basal metabolic rate; dietary thermogenesis is another way to say thermic effect of food), but the combination that matches the common model is basal metabolic rate, the thermic effect of food, and activity energy expenditure.