Which factor does NOT affect Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) refers to the number of calories that the body needs to maintain basic physiological functions while at rest. Several factors influence BMR, including body composition, age, and gender.

Body composition affects BMR because muscle tissue requires more energy to sustain itself than fat tissue. Therefore, individuals with a higher muscle mass tend to have a higher BMR. Age plays a significant role as well, as BMR generally decreases with age due to changes in body composition, hormonal levels, and decreased physical activity. Gender also impacts BMR; typically, men have a higher BMR than women due to greater muscle mass and lower body fat percentage.

Dietary intake, while crucial for overall health and functioning, does not directly affect BMR in the same manner as the other factors listed. BMR is primarily determined by intrinsic factors related to the body’s physical and biological characteristics, rather than the amount or type of food consumed at any given time. Therefore, dietary intake does not inherently change BMR; instead, it may influence overall energy balance and metabolic health in broader terms.