Final answer:
The factor that raises the BMR among the options given is a growing body, since larger size typically requires more energy leading to an increased BMR. Other factors may lower the BMR or have a more complex relationship with it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which factor raises the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Among the options provided, the one that raises the BMR is a growing body.
This is because factors that influence BMR include body size, with larger individuals generally requiring more energy to maintain their mass. Hence, as the body grows, the BMR increases. Contrarily, sleep, fasting, and aging are typically associated with a lower BMR, while obesity can be a bit complex.
Although obese individuals have heavier weight, which could lead to a higher BMR due to increased energy requirements, the BMR is influenced by lean muscle tissue to a greater extent than by fat tissue. Thus, when considering BMR, the composition of the body is crucial, with a higher percentage of lean muscle tissue leading to a higher BMR.