Final answer:
A clinical dietician uses resting metabolic rate (RMR) and stress factors to estimate energy needs, taking into account factors like age, gender, and muscle mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
A clinical dietician uses resting metabolic rate (RMR) and stress factors to estimate energy needs. The basal metabolic rate (BMR), closely related to RMR, is the total energy conversion rate of a person at rest, with a majority of calories burned each day supporting essential bodily functions. The RMR is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, total body weight, and muscle mass. For example, athletes usually have a higher BMR due to greater muscle mass.
The dietary energy factor is a concept used to compare energy requirements of different food groups relative to a plant-based diet, helping dieticians adjust dietary recommendations accordingly. Clinical dieticians can use these factors, in combination with patient-specific details like stress levels, activity rates, and physiological conditions (e.g., postpartum women), to craft personalized nutrition plans.