Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which an organism converts food into energy and uses that energy for various physiological processes, such as growth, reproduction, and maintenance of bodily functions. This measurement is often used as an indicator of an organism's overall health and fitness. Metabolic rate can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, sex, activity level, and environmental conditions. Researchers study metabolic rate in order to better understand how organisms use energy, how energy allocation impacts survival and reproductive success, and how metabolic rate may change in response to environmental stressors or changes.