Think of basal metabolism as the number of calories your body burns for energy even when you're sleeping. This energy is used to support life-sustaining jobs, from breathing and pumping blood to maintaining body temperature.

What is an example of basal metabolism?

Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is defined as the rate at which your body uses energy when you are resting in order to keep vital functions going such as breathing. The rate at which your body uses energy to breath and stay warm is an example of your basal metabolic rate.

What is included in basal metabolism?

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the total number of calories that your body needs to perform basic, life-sustaining functions. These basal functions include circulation, breathing, cell production, nutrient processing, protein synthesis, and ion transport.