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The metabolic rate is the rate at which an organism converts energy. All bodily processes consume energy – even breathing or the beating of the heart. The rate of energy consumption for these involuntary activities (breathing, blood circulation, digestion etc) is called the basal metabolic rate. The basal metabolic rate tends to decrease with age, as all metabolic processes slow down and is generally higher in males than females. Some are shown below.

Metabolic rates for some common activities:

Activity

Metabolic Rate W

W/m 2 – the typical surface area of a human is 1.8 m 2

Reclining

83

46

Seated relaxed

104

58

Standing relaxed

126

70

Sedentary activity (office, dwelling,
school, laboratory)

126

70

Car driving

144

80

Standing, light activity (shopping, laboratory, light industry)

167

93

Teacher

171

95

Domestic work -shaving, washing and dressing

180

100

Walking on the level, 2 km/h

198

110

Standing, medium activity (shop assistant,
domestic work)

209

116

Building industry - Brick laying (Block of 15.3 kg)

225

125

Domestic work - raking leaves on the lawn

306

170

Walking on the level, 5 km/h

360

200

Volleyball

418

232

Bicycling
Golf
Softball

522

290

Gymnastics

574

319

Aerobic Dancing
Basketball
Swimming

624

348

Sports - Ice skating, 18 km/h

648

360

Sports - Running in 15 km/h

990

550