International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes total daily energy expenditure?

1. Total calories burned in a 24-hour period

2. The calories consumed from food and drink

3. The calories burned during exercise only

4. The calories required for specific activities only

The correct answer is: Total calories burned in a 24-hour period

Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) is best described as the total calories burned in a 24-hour period. This comprehensive measure accounts for all energy expenditures in a day, which includes several components: 1. **Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)**: This is the energy used by the body at rest to maintain vital functions like breathing, circulation, and cell production. 2. **Physical Activity**: This includes all calories burned during any form of physical activity, from structured workouts to daily movements like walking or even fidgeting. 3. **Thermic Effect of Food**: This refers to the energy used in the digestion, absorption, and processing of food. By calculating all these factors, TDEE provides a complete picture of a person's energy balance, which is crucial for understanding weight management and nutritional needs. In contrast, the other options focus on narrower aspects of energy expenditure or consumption. Some only represent a single factor (like exercise or specific activities), which does not capture the entirety of energy usage throughout the day.