How Many Calories Does a Human Burn a Day?

The number of calories a human burns in a day is known as the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). TDEE is calculated based on a number of factors, including age, weight, height, and activity level. Understanding TDEE can help individuals determine how many calories they should consume to maintain or lose weight.

The average TDEE for an adult is approximately 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day. However, this number can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including age, weight, height, and activity level.

The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories a person burns while at rest and it accounts for about 60 to 75% of the total daily calorie expenditure. BMR is influenced by several factors such as age, weight, height, and gender. As a person ages, their BMR decreases and the same is true for those who lose weight.

The next factor that affects daily calorie expenditure is physical activity. Physical activity can be broken down into two categories: planned exercise and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). NEAT refers to the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise. This can include activities such as walking to work, typing, cooking, and cleaning.

Planned exercise contributes a relatively small portion to the total daily calorie expenditure. For example, a person who runs for 30 minutes at a moderate pace burns about 150 to 300 calories. However, NEAT can account for up to 50% of the total daily calorie expenditure and it can greatly vary from person to person.

The final factor that affects daily calorie expenditure is the thermic effect of food (TEF). TEF refers to the energy required to digest, absorb, and process the nutrients in food. TEF accounts for about 5 to 10% of the total daily calorie expenditure and it varies based on the type of food consumed.

In summary, the total daily calorie expenditure is influenced by several factors including BMR, physical activity, and the thermic effect of food. The average adult burns about 1,500 to 2,500 calories per day, but this can vary greatly based on individual factors.

To maintain weight, a person needs to balance the number of calories they consume with the number of calories they burn. To lose weight, a person needs to burn more calories than they consume. To gain weight, a person needs to consume more calories than they burn.

In addition to regular exercise, TDEE is also affected by the body’s basic metabolic rate (BMR). BMR is the number of calories the body burns just to maintain its normal functions, such as breathing and maintaining body temperature. This accounts for approximately 60-75% of TDEE, making it the largest contributor to TDEE.

There are also other factors that can affect TDEE, such as pregnancy and illness. Pregnant women typically have a higher TDEE due to the energy required to support the growth and development of the fetus. Illness can also increase TDEE, as the body needs to work harder to fight off the illness.

It’s important to note that TDEE is an estimate and not an exact science. Individuals may find that their TDEE is higher or lower than the average, depending on their individual circumstances. To determine your TDEE, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or use an online TDEE calculator.

In conclusion, TDEE is a key factor in determining how many calories a person should consume each day to maintain or lose weight. TDEE is calculated based on a number of factors, including age, weight, height, activity level, and BMR. Understanding TDEE can help individuals make informed decisions about their diet and exercise habits.