Which of the following is most likely to increase resting metabolic rate (RMR)?

• A. Sleeping for longer durations
• B. Increasing muscle mass through resistance training
• C. Consuming a low-calorie diet for an extended period
• D. Decreasing physical activity levels

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of resting metabolic rate (RMR): RMR refers to the amount of energy your body requires to maintain basic physiological functions, such as breathing, circulation, and cellular processes, while at rest.
2. Recognize the factors that influence RMR: Muscle mass is a key determinant of RMR because muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain compared to fat tissue. Other factors include age, sex, genetics, and overall body composition.
3. Analyze the options provided: Sleeping for longer durations does not significantly impact RMR, as sleep is a low-energy state. Consuming a low-calorie diet for an extended period can actually decrease RMR due to metabolic adaptation. Decreasing physical activity levels reduces overall energy expenditure but does not directly increase RMR.
4. Focus on the correct option: Increasing muscle mass through resistance training is most likely to increase RMR because muscle tissue has a higher metabolic demand compared to other tissues. Resistance training promotes muscle growth, which in turn elevates RMR.
5. Conclude the reasoning: By increasing muscle mass, the body requires more energy at rest to maintain the additional muscle tissue, leading to a higher resting metabolic rate.