Final answer:
Obesity and a growing body raise the BMR due to the increased energy required to maintain physiological functions and growth processes. Aging generally lowers BMR; sleep and fasting have complex effects but typically do not cause sustained increases in BMR.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is influenced by various factors. When evaluating which of the listed options raises the BMR, we should consider how each affects energy expenditure.
- Obesity: Larger body size increases BMR, as a heavier weight requires more energy to maintain physiological functions. Therefore, obesity can raise BMR.
- Aging: Generally, BMR decreases with age as muscle mass and overall cellular activity diminish.
- A growing body: Growth indicates increased metabolic demands for energy and bodybuilding processes, thus raising BMR.
- Sleep: During sleep, the body's metabolic activities slow down, leading to a decreased BMR.
- Fasting: Short-term fasting might temporarily increase BMR as the body mobilizes energy stores. However, prolonged fasting or undernutrition lowers BMR as the body conserves energy.
Considering the provided options, obesity and a growing body are factors that raise the BMR.