What does Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) refer to?

Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) refers to the amount of energy expended by the body at rest over a 24-hour period to maintain basic physiological functions, such as breathing, circulation, and cellular metabolism. This measurement is crucial for understanding a person's caloric needs when they are not engaging in any physical activity. REE represents the minimum energy required for sustaining vital functions while in a state of rest, making it a fundamental component in assessing overall daily energy expenditure.

In this context, while the energy required for physical workouts, total daily energy consumption, or energy for mental activities are all important factors in understanding human energy balance, they do not specifically capture the essence of REE, which focuses exclusively on energy expenditure during rest.