Physical Activity Level (PAL)
Description:
A way of estimating physical activity in a person by looking at energy (calorie) usage over 24 hours in relation to the amount of energy needed to fuel the body at rest
Context:
In nutrition and food safety, the Physical Activity Level (PAL) is a measure of how active a person is, from sedentary to very active. It helps estimate how much energy (calories) someone needs each day to maintain a healthy weight.
EFSA uses PAL to calculate energy requirements and set Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for populations. By knowing typical activity levels, EFSA can provide guidance on how much food and nutrients people need, helping to ensure that diets are safe, balanced, and sufficient for health.