What percentage of total energy expenditure (TEE) is attributed to resting energy expenditure?

Resting energy expenditure (REE), also known as basal metabolic rate (BMR), accounts for a significant portion of total energy expenditure (TEE) in most individuals. Typically, REE represents approximately 60-75% of TEE. This high percentage is due to the fact that REE encompasses the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions at rest, such as breathing, circulation, cellular metabolism, and thermoregulation.

Factors influencing REE include an individual's body composition, age, sex, and hormonal status, with lean body mass being a key determinant. As such, a greater proportion of muscle mass correlates with a higher REE, which significantly contributes to overall energy expenditure.

Understanding the role of REE is essential for developing effective treatment plans for obesity, as interventions aimed at increasing muscle mass or improving metabolic health can positively impact energy expenditure profiles.