Final answer:
The Mifflin-St. Jeor (option c) equation is preferable for weight loss calculations. Nutrients that provide energy include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Accurate energy requirement calculations assist with managing a healthy body weight and energy balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to calculating energy requirements for weight loss, the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation is often preferred. It is considered more accurate than the older Harris-Benedict equation and has been recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for estimating resting metabolic rate for both weight loss and weight maintenance. The WHO and IOM equations are less commonly used for individual dietary planning.
Nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide energy for the body. Energy consumption and physical activity, such as bicycling, contribute to the balance of energy intake and expenditure impacting weight. A person's body will metabolize fat to obtain needed energy when they use more energy than consumed, thus aiding in weight loss.
For optimal health and management of body weight, health professionals use formulas to define healthy weight. These take into account measurements of weight and body fat. For instance, through various types of physical activities, energy consumed by humans is converted to work, thermal energy, and stored fat. Understanding this energy balance can help in calculating the energy needed for weight loss.