How Does Your Body Use Energy?

If you're like most people, here's how your body uses the energy (calories) it burns each day:

> Basic Energy Needs (Basal Metabolism) 60%
> Physical Activity 30%
> Digestion of Food and Absorption of Nutrients 10%

Remember, one pound of fat equals about 3,500 calories. So if you create a deficit of 3,500 calories you lose a pound, and if you create a surplus of 3,500 calories you gain a pound. Because physical activity plays such an important role in metabolism (30%), it's essential that adults get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity daily to prevent weight gain.