Final answer:
The claim that most obese people have a lower BMR is false. An obese person's BMR is generally higher because their bodies require more energy to maintain their larger mass. Various factors influence BMR and not all relate directly to obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the majority of obese people have a depressed basal metabolic rate is false. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) refers to the amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, in the post-absorptive state (meaning that the digestive system is inactive, which requires about 12 hours of fasting in humans). It is a common misconception that obese individuals have a lower BMR; however, research indicates that an obese person's BMR is typically higher due to the increased metabolic load required to maintain the increased body mass.
For example the metabolic rate of obese women is 25 percent higher than that of thin women. Factors like gender, muscle mass, and overall body composition play a significant role in determining one's BMR. While weight is an indicator of obesity in much of the population, diets, genetics, metabolism and physical activity levels also significantly influence body weight and the ease of losing it through diet and exercise.