Which process accounts for the highest part of caloric expenditure?

Basal metabolism refers to the number of calories your body requires to maintain basic physiological functions at rest, including breathing, circulation, cellular production, and maintaining body temperature. This process accounts for the largest portion of total energy expenditure, usually estimated to represent about 60-75% of daily caloric burn in a sedentary individual.

The significance of basal metabolic rate (BMR) lies in its role as the foundational energy expenditure that supports essential life-sustaining functions. Unlike exercise, which can significantly vary from person to person depending on activity levels, and thermogenesis, which primarily pertains to the energy expended from food processing and temperature regulation, basal metabolism remains a constant baseline. Furthermore, excretion is not a primary contributor to caloric expenditure in comparison to the other processes. Therefore, understanding basal metabolism is critical for those looking to manage weight, as it sets the necessary caloric framework that must be accounted for when discussing obesity, weight maintenance, or weight loss strategies.