A Brief Primer on TEE, BMR, RMR, and the Thermic Effect o...

When discussing human metabolism, four concepts often arise: total daily energy expenditure (TEE), basal metabolic rate (BMR), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and the thermic effect of food (TEF). Energy expenditure science can feel alphabet-soup–heavy, so let’s clarify these key terms in more depth: Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TEE): TEE is the total energy (calories) you burn in 24 hours. It encompasses every energy-demanding process in your body—from keeping your heart pumping to...