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Metabolic Rate Ceiling

Meaning

The metabolic rate ceiling represents the maximum sustained rate at which an individual can convert energy substrates (fats, carbohydrates, and protein) into usable cellular energy over a 24-hour period. This measure is a critical determinant of an individual’s potential for high-level physical performance and their capacity for effective body composition management. It is not simply the basal metabolic rate, but rather the upper limit of energy expenditure the body can efficiently handle before catabolic processes begin to dominate. A higher ceiling correlates with greater metabolic flexibility and overall physiological robustness.