A change in which of the following would boost one's resting metabolic rate?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Lean (fat‑free) body mass largely determines resting metabolic rate (RMR). Fat‑free tissues—especially skeletal muscle, liver, heart and kidneys—are metabolically active and consume more energy at rest than adipose tissue. RMR is therefore higher in people with greater lean mass.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- RMR (or basal metabolic rate) is the energy used at rest to sustain vital functions. It is most strongly correlated with lean body mass.
- Different tissues have different metabolic rates: metabolically active organs and muscle have higher energy demands per unit mass than adipose tissue.
- Other factors (age, sex, hormones, fever, activity, genetics) can affect RMR, but body composition is the primary modifiable determinant.

2) Step‑by‑step reasoning
- Compare energy use per unit mass of muscle versus fat. A common practical estimate: ~6 kcal/day per pound of muscle vs ~2 kcal/day per pound of fat.
- Convert to metric for clarity: 1 lb ≈ 0.4536 kg, so roughly 13 kcal/day per kg of muscle (6 kcal ÷ 0.4536) and about 4.4 kcal/day per kg of fat (2 kcal ÷ 0.4536).
- If a person gained 5 kg of lean mass, the expected RMR increase ≈ 5 kg × 13 kcal/kg/day = 65 kcal/day.

3) Calculations (intermediate steps shown)
- 6 kcal per lb (muscle) → per kg: 6 ÷ 0.4536 = 13.24 kcal/kg/day.
- 2 kcal per lb (fat) → per kg: 2 ÷ 0.4536 = 4.41 kcal/kg/day.
- RMR change for +5 kg muscle: 5 × 13.24 = 66.2 kcal/day (approx. 65–66 kcal/day).

4) Why the correct answer is correct
Increasing the proportion of lean tissue (improved body composition) raises the mass of high‑metabolic‑rate tissue and therefore increases the RMR. This is a direct, sustained effect, unlike transient influences.

5) Why the other options are incorrect
- Pulse rate: Resting heart rate is an indicator of cardiovascular fitness but does not itself raise the RMR long term. Fitter people often have lower resting pulse despite higher muscle mass.
- HDL level: HDL is a blood lipid parameter (cholesterol transport); it does not drive resting energy expenditure.
- Inflammation: Acute inflammation (fever, severe infection) can temporarily raise metabolic rate, but chronic low‑grade inflammation is not a practical or healthy way to “boost” RMR and typically has modest effects compared with body composition.

6) Conclusion
Because lean (fat‑free) mass is the main determinant of resting energy expenditure, changing body composition (increasing lean mass) will boost RMR. This confirms the provided correct answer: body composition.

A change in which of the following would boost one's resting metabolic rate?Single choice

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