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, | 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, | 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 | 522 | 290 |
| Gymnastics | 574 | 319 |
| Aerobic Dancing | 624 | 348 |
| Sports - Ice skating, 18 km/h | 648 | 360 |
| Sports - Running in 15 km/h | 990 | 550 |