The energy expenditure associated with food digestion and absorption is the

• A. Basal metabolic rate
• B. Total energy expenditure
• C. Thermic effect of food (TEF)
• D. Physical activity energy cost

Answer: (C)

The energy expenditure tied to digestion and absorption is the thermic effect of food, or TEF. This refers to the energy your body uses to break down, absorb, and metabolize nutrients after you eat. TEF typically makes up about 5–10% of daily energy expenditure, and it can be higher after meals rich in protein. It’s one component of total energy expenditure, which also includes basal metabolic rate (the energy you use at rest for basic bodily functions) and the energy cost of physical activity. So TEF specifically captures the energy cost of processing the food you’ve just consumed, while the other components account for resting metabolism and movement.