Final answer:
The average dietary energy intake to maintain energy balance is based on age and gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average dietary energy intake to maintain energy balance is based on a) age and gender. Factors like age and gender influence a person's metabolism, body composition, and activity level, which in turn affect their energy requirements. For example, males generally have higher energy needs compared to females due to differences in muscle mass. Similarly, energy needs may vary with age as children and adolescents have different growth and development needs compared to adults.