Final answer:
The athlete's resting metabolic rate and fatty oxidation rates over 14 weeks could vary depending on changes in muscle mass, diet, and physical activity. Increases in muscle mass or changes in diet that promote fat metabolism could raise these rates, while decreases in muscle mass or activity could lower them. Additionally, weight loss can lead to physiological changes that may reduce the metabolic rate over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the changes in an athlete's resting metabolic rate and fatty oxidation rates over a 14-week period. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a measure of energy expenditure while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, in the post-absorptive state. The resting metabolic rate is influenced by several factors, including age, gender, body weight, and muscle mass. As athletes generally possess greater muscle mass, they tend to have higher BMRs.
Over the course of 14 weeks, depending on the athlete's diet, exercise regimen, and changes in muscle mass, both the metabolic rate and fatty oxidation rates may fluctuate. If the athlete maintains or increases muscle mass through resistance training and sufficient protein intake, the BMR may increase. Conversely, a reduction in overall activity or muscle mass could lead to a lower BMR. Similarly, dietary changes can influence fatty oxidation rates; a higher fat, low-carbohydrate diet might increase fatty acid utilization for energy.
Energy not used for activity is stored as body fat, and losing weight typically requires expending more calories than are consumed, leading to the body metabolizing fat for energy. However, as the body adapts to lower energy intake and reduced body weight, there are physiological changes that favor weight regain, potentially leading to a lowering of the metabolic rate over time.