Estimated energy used by the body at rest in a fasting state to maintain essential body functions. The BEE is then adjusted for activity, injury or disease, and the thermic effect of food to predict the total daily energy expenditure. This is then used to estimate the energy intake requirement.
The energy used by an individual who is at rest but not asleep. The BEE (expressed as calories) may be calculated by using the Harris-Benedict equations. These account for sex, age, height, and weight. If the individual is sedentary, moderately active, or engaged in strenuous activity, 30%, 40%, or 50%, respectively, are added to the BEE.