What is the term for the energy required to digest and process food?

The term for the energy required to digest and process food is known as the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF). This refers specifically to the increase in energy expenditure above the resting metabolic rate that occurs after eating. When we consume food, our bodies need to work to break down and metabolize that food, which involves various processes, including digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients, and metabolism of those nutrients. This energy expenditure can account for about 10% of total energy consumption, depending on the composition of the diet, with protein-rich foods generally having a higher thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats.

The other concepts mentioned, such as basal metabolic rate, relate to the energy required for basic bodily functions at rest, while physical activity level focuses on energy expenditure through movement and activity. Caloric expenditure generally refers to the overall energy used by the body in a given period but does not specifically address the energy required for food processing. Thus, Thermic Effect of Food is the most accurate term for the energy involved in digesting and processing food.