NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What does total daily energy expenditure refer to?

1. Calories consumed through meals

2. Calories expended through the course of day

3. Calories stored in the body

4. Calories burned during exercise only

The correct answer is: Calories expended through the course of day

Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) encompasses the total number of calories a person expends in a day. This includes all forms of energy expenditure which the body utilizes to maintain its basic physiological functions and to perform various activities throughout the day. TDEE is composed of several components: 1. **Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)** - the calories burned at rest to maintain vital bodily functions like breathing, circulation, and cellular production. 2. **Physical Activity Level (PAL)** - calories expended through all physical activities, including structured exercise, walking, and other daily movements. 3. **Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)** - the energy used in digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients from food. This comprehensive view ensures that TDEE accounts for all the calories burned throughout the day, not just during periods of exercise or activity. Therefore, the correct understanding of TDEE is crucial for personal trainers and clients alike, as it helps in creating tailored nutritional and fitness programs aimed at weight management or fitness goals. The other options focus on specific components of energy balance rather than the totality of daily energy expenditure. The calories consumed through meals identifies intake, stored calories signifies energy reserves, and exercise-only calories do not capture the full spectrum