Skeletal muscle is a metabolically active tissue. This means that is requires energy to be able to function properly, even when our body is @ rest. 

So, how does skeletal muscle contribute directly to caloric burn?

Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue at rest. Estimates suggest that each pound of muscle burns 6-10 calories per day, whereas fat burns only about 2 calories per pound. More muscle = higher RMR, leading to a greater daily calorie burn even when inactive.

More muscle can boost total daily energy expenditure. Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) consists of:

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) – The calories burned at rest which is influenced by muscle mass.
• More muscle improves workout performance and increases calories burned.
• Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) – Muscle-building diets are often high in protein, which has a higher TEF (~20-30% of protein calories are burned during digestion).

Improvements in fat oxidation can be seen due to higher levels of skeletal mass. More muscle mass = higher capacity to burn fat for fuel. Studies show that trained individuals have enhanced fat oxidation rates, meaning their bodies are more efficient at using stored fat as energy.

When dieting, the body often loses both fat and muscle, which can lower metabolic rate. Resistance training helps preserve muscle mass, keeping RMR higher and preventing metabolic slowdown. Individuals with higher skeletal muscle mass tend to maintain weight loss with higher efficiency. A higher RMR means more calories burned daily, making it easier to stay lean without extreme dieting or excessive cardio.

Peer reviewed articles:

Skeletal muscle metabolism is a major determinant of resting energy expenditure

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2243122/

Caloric Expenditure of Muscle Tissue

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ncsf.org/pdf/ceu/a_pound_of_muscle_burns_30-50_kcal_a_day_really.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Skeletal muscle fat oxidation: timing and flexibility are everything

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16007246/

Effects of resistance exercise bouts of different intensities but equal work on EPOC

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11432304_Effects_of_resistance_exercise_bouts_of_different_intensities_but_equal_work_on_EPOC

Skeletal muscle proteins involved in fatty acid transport influence fatty acid oxidation rates observed during exercise

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00424-023-02843-7

How many additional calories does each pound of muscle burn?

https://www.strongerbyscience.com/calories-muscle-burn

Molecular responses to acute exercise and their relevance for adaptations in skeletal muscle to exercise training

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00054.2021

How to Calculate Your Basal Metabolic Rate

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calculate-your-basal-metabolic-rate