The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight)

by Jason Fung

The vast majority (95 percent) of calories are used for basal metabolism. Basal metabolic rate depends on many factors, including •genetics, •gender (basal metabolic rate is generally higher in men), •age (basal metabolic rate generally drops with age), •weight (basal metabolic rate generally increases with muscle mass), •height (basal metabolic rate generally increases with height), •diet (overfeeding or underfeeding), •body temperature, •external temperature (heating or cooling the body) and •organ function. Nonexercise activity thermogenesis is the energy used in activity other than sleeping, eating or exercise; for instance, in walking, gardening, cooking, cleaning and shopping. The thermogenic effect of food is the energy used in digestion and absorption of food energy.