Question at position 2 The main contributor to daily energy expenditure for the average person is the:thermic effect of physical activitythermic effect of a mealresting metabolic ratenone of the aboveClear my selectionSingle choice
A
thermic effect of physical activity
B
thermic effect of a meal
C
resting metabolic rate
D
none of the above

Question

Question at position 2 The main contributor to daily energy expenditure for the average person is the:thermic effect of physical activitythermic effect of a mealresting metabolic ratenone of the aboveClear my selectionSingle choice

A

thermic effect of physical activity

B

thermic effect of a meal

C

resting metabolic rate

D

none of the above

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for the largest share of an average person's total daily energy expenditure.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is made up primarily of: resting metabolic rate (RMR, also called basal metabolic rate in close usage), thermic effect of food (TEF, aka thermic effect of a meal), and the thermic effect of physical activity (PA). 
- Typical population averages: RMR ≈ 60–75% of TDEE, TEF ≈ 5–10% of TDEE, and physical activity ≈ 15–30% (highly variable).

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Compare typical percentage contributions: RMR’s 60–75% is clearly larger than TEF’s ~10% and usually larger than PA’s typical range. Therefore RMR is the main contributor.

3) Example calculation with intermediate steps
- Take a sample TDEE of 2,000 kcal/day.
  - RMR (assume 70%): 0.70 × 2000 = 1,400 kcal/day
  - TEF (assume 10%): 0.10 × 2000 = 200 kcal/day
  - Physical activity (assume 20%): 0.20 × 2000 = 400 kcal/day
- Comparison: 1,400 kcal (RMR) > 400 kcal (activity) > 200 kcal (TEF). RMR is the largest single component.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- RMR represents the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions (heart, lungs, brain, cellular metabolism) continuously, so by nature it consumes most daily calories. This physiological necessity explains its dominant percentage.

5) Why other options are incorrect
- Thermic effect of physical activity: important and variable but usually smaller than RMR for average individuals.
- Thermic effect of a meal: typically only ~5–10% of TDEE, far less than RMR.
- None of the above: incorrect because one of the listed options (RMR) is indeed the main contributor.

6) Conclusion
- Therefore the correct answer is resting metabolic rate, which matches the provided answer.

Question at position 2 The main contributor to daily energy expenditure for the average person is the:thermic effect of physical activitythermic effect of a mealresting metabolic ratenone of the aboveClear my selectionSingle choice

Similar Questions

Which group has a higher metabolic rate?

A history of weight loss reduces metabolic rate.

According to the new analysis of "The Biggest Loser," what misconception does it challenge about extreme weight loss?

Increasing your muscle mass will also increase your

Question at position 7 Which of the following is a well-established metabolic adaptation to negative energy balance?build muscledecrease resting metabolismpreserve muscle massincrease appetite

Question at position 2 Which of the following may have the highest metabolic rate per unit mass?FatHeartMuscleBone

Question at position 6 An increase in ambient temperature will have what effect on energy metabolism?no effectincreasedecreasenot enough information

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler