Basal metabolic rate is defined as what?

• A. Calories burned during physical activity
• B. Total daily energy expenditure
• C. Thermic effect of food
• D. Resting calorie burning without conscious effort

Answer: (D)

Basal metabolic rate is the energy your body uses to keep basic life-sustaining functions going while at rest. It reflects the calories burned when you’re awake but not moving and not actively digesting food or exercising. This energy covers things like breathing, circulation, and cell maintenance. Among the options, “resting calorie burning without conscious effort” is the best fit because it communicates energy use at rest and not due to voluntary activity. The other choices describe energy used during activity, total daily energy expenditure, and the energy cost of digesting food, none of which define BMR.