What does the term "metabolism" refer to?

The term "metabolism" refers to the various chemical processes in the body that occur to maintain life, which includes the conversion of food into energy, the synthesis of necessary molecules, and the breakdown of waste products. These processes are vital for growth, reproduction, repair, and overall bodily function, ensuring that the body operates efficiently.

While digestion of food is a component of metabolism, as it involves breaking down food into usable energy, it is only one part of the broader spectrum of metabolic processes. Similarly, physical activity and the rate of weight loss may be influenced by metabolism, but they do not define what metabolism is. Metabolism encapsulates all the chemical reactions that occur in the body, which is why it's the correct choice in this context.