Final answer:
Resting energy metabolism is likely higher than the basal metabolic rate (BMR) as it encompasses energy expenditure beyond absolute rest, including impacts of recent activities and environmental conditions. BMR is determined by various factors such as age, sex, weight, and muscle mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Resting Energy Metabolism
The metabolic rate is the speed at which the body converts food energy to sustain life and various activities. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy conversion rate for a person at rest, and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, body weight, and muscle mass. It represents the minimum amount of energy needed to maintain the body's natural functions at rest. The BMR is higher in individuals like athletes since they have more muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat.
A component of the metabolic rate is the resting energy metabolism, which might be higher than the BMR, as it includes energy expenditure that occurs after eating or while engaging in minimal activity that is not considered basal or completely at rest. Resting energy metabolism measures are likely to be influenced by recent physical activity, food consumption, or environmental factors that aren't accounted for in BMR calculations. For instance, the metabolic rate of obese women is about 25 percent higher than that of thin women due to body weight differences.