New Insights into Calculating Daily Calorie Needs
Pune, 27th April 2024: Hyderabad-based Dr. Sudhir Kumar, an expert in metabolism, sheds light on a comprehensive approach to understanding daily calorie requirements that takes into account various biological processes. According to Dr. Kumar, there are three critical factors to consider when estimating how many calories a person should consume each day to maintain their current weight.
The largest portion of our daily caloric expenditure comes from what is known as the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). RMR refers to the calories our bodies burn during periods of rest and accounts for 60 to 75 percent of our total energy use. This rate varies from person to person, largely influenced by body composition and metabolic health.
Physical activity ranks second in terms of its impact on our calorie needs. Unlike the relatively stable RMR, the calories burned through physical activity can vary widely day by day and person by person. Factors such as exercise frequency, intensity, and duration play significant roles in how many additional calories one should consume.
The final component, thermogenesis, is the process through which the body burns calories in order to produce heat, particularly after eating, as the body works to digest, absorb, and process nutrients. Although it represents the smallest percentage of daily calorie expenditure, it remains a vital part of the metabolic process.
Dr. Kumar emphasizes that understanding these components can help individuals tailor their dietary intake and physical activity more effectively to match their lifestyle and metabolic needs. This personalized approach ensures that dietary recommendations are more accurate and tailored to individual requirements.
