What does the term "thermic effect of food" refer to?

The term "thermic effect of food" (TEF) primarily refers to the increase in metabolic rate following the consumption of food, which is accurately captured in the selected answer. When food is ingested, the body expends energy to digest, absorb, and metabolize the nutrients. This process requires energy and results in a temporary elevation in metabolism, reflecting the caloric cost associated with processing the food.

TEF accounts for a specific proportion of total daily energy expenditure, typically around 10% of the caloric intake, although this can vary based on the type of food consumed (e.g., protein generally has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates or fats). Understanding TEF is crucial in nutritional analysis and weight management as it emphasizes the energy costs associated with digestion and the role of different macronutrients in influencing metabolic rates post-meal.

Other options, while related to metabolic processes, do not accurately define the thermic effect of food itself. For instance, caloric deficit due to exercise pertains to energy expenditure from physical activity rather than the metabolic increase from digestion. Energy used for voluntary activities relates to the overall energy expenditure but does not specifically encompass the effect of meals on metabolism. Heat generated during digestion, while connected to the overall concept,