BASAL METABOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Basal metabolism is a term used in physiology and nutrition to describe the minimum amount of energy or calories that an individual's body needs to maintain its basic physiological functions while at complete rest. It represents the energy required to sustain vital bodily processes such as respiration, circulation, cell production, and maintenance of body temperature in the absence of physical activity or digestion.
Basal metabolism is influenced by various factors such as gender, age, body composition, hormone levels, and genetic factors. Typically, males tend to have a higher basal metabolic rate (BMR) than females due to higher muscle mass and testosterone levels. As one ages, the BMR tends to decrease due to loss of muscle mass and hormonal changes.
There are several methods to estimate basal metabolism, including indirect calorimetry, which measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, and predictive equations based on factors such as weight, height, age, and gender.
Understanding an individual's basal metabolic rate is important in determining their total energy expenditure and creating personalized nutrition plans. It serves as a baseline for calculating caloric needs and adjusting energy intake for weight management purposes. If someone's caloric intake consistently exceeds their basal metabolic rate, it may lead to weight gain, while consuming fewer calories than the BMR can result in weight loss.
Common Misspellings for BASAL METABOLISM
- vasal metabolism
- nasal metabolism
- hasal metabolism
- gasal metabolism
- bzsal metabolism
- bssal metabolism
- bwsal metabolism
- bqsal metabolism
- baaal metabolism
- bazal metabolism
- baxal metabolism
- badal metabolism
- baeal metabolism
- bawal metabolism
- baszl metabolism
- bassl metabolism
- baswl metabolism
- basql metabolism
- basak metabolism
Etymology of BASAL METABOLISM
The word "basal metabolism" is composed of two parts:
1. Basal: The term "basal" comes from the Latin word "basalis", which means "pertaining to the base". It is derived from the Greek word "basis", meaning "foundation" or "base". In the context of metabolism, "basal" refers to the baseline or minimum level of metabolic activity required to sustain essential bodily functions at rest.
2. Metabolism: The term "metabolism" originates from the Greek word "metabolē", meaning "change" or "alteration". It was derived from the Greek word "metaballein", which translates to "to change" or "to go across". Metabolism refers to the sum of all chemical reactions and processes that occur within cells and living organisms to maintain life and allow growth, reproduction, and other vital functions.
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