A very active person uses a large amount of energy and therefore has a high
metabolic rate. This means that their body is constantly burning calories to fuel their physical activity and maintain their body functions. They may have a higher baseline energy expenditure, also known as their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the number of calories they burn at rest.
Additionally, their increased activity level can further increase their energy expenditure through exercise. Regular exercise can increase muscle mass, which in turn increases metabolism, as muscle requires more energy to maintain than fat. This is known as the Thermic Effect of Activity (TEA), which is the increase in energy expenditure as a result of physical activity.
In summary, a very active person has a high metabolic rate due to their increased energy expenditure both at rest (BMR) and during physical activity (TEA). This allows them to burn a larger amount of calories and maintain a higher level of energy output.
metabolic rate.
Metabolic rate refers to the total amount of energy that an individual's body requires to carry out essential physiological functions, such as breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining body temperature. An active person who engages in regular exercise or physical activity tends to have a higher metabolic rate compared to a sedentary person.
Here are the steps to understand why a very active person has a high metabolic rate:
Step 1: Define metabolic rate
Metabolic rate is the amount of energy required to sustain essential body functions and physical activity.
Step 2: Understand the link between physical activity and metabolic rate
Physical activity requires energy. The more active a person is, the more energy their body needs to perform various activities.
Step 3: Explore the components of metabolic rate
Metabolic rate consists of two main components: Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) and Physical Activity Level (PAL).
- Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR): It refers to the energy needed to maintain essential body functions at rest, such as breathing, heart rate, and brain activity.
- Physical Activity Level (PAL): It represents the additional energy expended during physical activity, which varies depending on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the activity.
Step 4: Understand how physical activity impacts metabolic rate
Physical activity increases the energy expenditure above the Resting Metabolic Rate, increasing the overall metabolic rate.
Step 5: Recognize the factors contributing to higher metabolic rate in active individuals
Several factors contribute to an active person having a higher metabolic rate:
- Increased muscle mass: Regular physical activity promotes muscle development, and muscles require more energy to function than fat tissue.
- Higher energy expenditure: Active individuals engage in more physical movements, resulting in a higher calorie burn.
- Afterburn effect: Intense exercise can lead to an "afterburn" effect, where the body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate even after the exercise session.
Step 6: Understand overall energy balance
An active person's high metabolic rate helps to maintain a balance between energy intake (food consumed) and energy expenditure (physical activity).
In summary, a very active person has a high metabolic rate due to increased muscle mass, a higher energy expenditure from physical activity, and the afterburn effect. These factors collectively result in increased energy requirements to support their active lifestyle.