Energy expenditure Total energy expenditure (TEE) varies based on the patient's weight, activity level, and degree of metabolic stress (metabolic demands); TEE ranges from 30 to 35 kcal / kg / day for people who are sedentary and not under stress to up to 45 kcal / kg / day for people who are critically ill. TEE equals the sum of Resting metabolic rate (RMR, or resting energy expenditure rate), which is normally about 70% of TEE Energy dissipated by metabolism of food (10% of TEE) Energy expended during physical activity (20% of TEE) Undernutrition can decrease RMR up to 20%.