What percentage of daily total energy expenditure is accounted for by physical activity?

Physical activity generally accounts for about 15% to 30% of daily total energy expenditure in the average person, with a typical figure often cited around 25%. This percentage can vary significantly based on an individual's activity level, occupation, and lifestyle. For sedentary individuals, the percentage may be at the lower end of this range, while those who are more physically active might approach or exceed this figure, but for most people, 25% is a reasonable estimate.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of physical activity in overall energy expenditure and highlights its role in health management and maintenance. Factors such as basal metabolic rate and thermogenesis from food play larger roles in energy expenditure, but physical activity is a crucial component that individuals can modify to influence their energy balance and health outcomes.