How does muscle mass affect basal metabolic rate (BMR)?

How does muscle mass affect basal metabolic rate (BMR)?

• A. More muscle mass decreases BMR
• B. More muscle mass increases BMR
• C. Muscle mass has no effect on BMR
• D. Only fat affects BMR

Answer: (B)

Muscle mass plays a significant role in determining basal metabolic rate (BMR). Individuals with a higher amount of muscle tissue require more energy, even at rest, compared to those with less muscle. This increased energy demand is because muscle is metabolically active tissue. It burns calories for maintenance and repair, which contributes to a higher overall calorie expenditure. As a result, more muscle mass leads to an increase in BMR, meaning that individuals with greater muscle mass will typically need more calories throughout the day to maintain their body weight compared to those with lower muscle mass. Understanding this relationship is crucial for those looking to manage weight or improve their fitness levels, as it highlights the importance of strength training and maintaining muscle to support metabolic health.

Muscle mass plays a significant role in determining basal metabolic rate (BMR). Individuals with a higher amount of muscle tissue require more energy, even at rest, compared to those with less muscle. This increased energy demand is because muscle is metabolically active tissue. It burns calories for maintenance and repair, which contributes to a higher overall calorie expenditure. As a result, more muscle mass leads to an increase in BMR, meaning that individuals with greater muscle mass will typically need more calories throughout the day to maintain their body weight compared to those with lower muscle mass.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for those looking to manage weight or improve their fitness levels, as it highlights the importance of strength training and maintaining muscle to support metabolic health.