International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which types of activities are included in the calculation of total daily energy expenditure?

1. Only physical exercise

2. Only metabolic functions

3. Active and passive activities

4. Only sedentary activities

The correct answer is: Active and passive activities

Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) encompasses the total amount of calories burned in a day through various activities. This includes not only physical exercise but also a combination of both active and passive activities. Active activities refer to any exercise or physical exertion, while passive activities include basic metabolic functions such as maintaining body temperature, digesting food, and simply being at rest. In the context of TDEE, the consideration of both active and passive activities allows for a more comprehensive understanding of energy expenditure. For instance, even on days when an individual may not exercise, the body still burns calories through basal metabolic processes and day-to-day movements. This highlights the importance of recognizing the full spectrum of activities that contribute to energy expenditure, emphasizing that both types of activities play a crucial role in overall calorie burn.