How does age influence the basal metabolic rate?

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is influenced by several factors, including age. As individuals age, their body composition changes, often resulting in a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass. Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, meaning it burns more calories at rest. Therefore, younger individuals typically have a higher BMR because they generally possess a greater proportion of muscle mass and less fat.

In childhood and early adulthood, BMR is naturally elevated due to growth and development processes. As a person ages, particularly past the age of 30, BMR tends to decline gradually. This decrease is primarily attributed to the loss of lean muscle mass and hormonal changes. Consequently, younger individuals typically exhibit a higher BMR compared to older adults, who experience a slowdown in metabolic processes.

Thus, the assertion that younger individuals have a higher BMR accurately reflects the relationship between age and metabolism, emphasizing the impact of body composition changes over time.