WHAT IS BASAL METABOLISM?
Basal metabolism refers to the energy required by the body for the functioning of the vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, nervous system, muscles and skin. Basal metabolism does not include energy required by the digestive system and is measured after fasting for at least 12 hours. It was reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that between 50 percent and 70 percent of the total energy expended per day is utilized for the functioning of the vital organs.