What is the process of breaking down calories consumed into usable energy called?

The process of breaking down calories consumed into usable energy is known as energy metabolism. This fundamental biological process involves converting the food we eat into energy that our bodies can use for various functions, such as maintaining temperature, muscle contraction, and other essential activities. During energy metabolism, macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are metabolized to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as the energy currency of the cell.

Understanding energy metabolism is crucial in various fields, including nutrition, fitness, and health care, as it plays a vital role in how the body utilizes the nutrients from food. This process also influences weight management, physical performance, and overall health.

The other options do not pertain to the breakdown of calories for energy purposes. Drug utilization review involves evaluating the appropriateness of prescribed medications; dysarthria refers to a speech disorder that affects the ability to speak clearly; and enteral feeding is a method of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal tract. Each of these terms relates to specific medical or health care practices that are distinct from the processes involved in energy metabolism.