30 Seconds SummaryResearch Spotlight: Does metabolic rate drop as we age?
- Researchers discovered that metabolic rates are similar in males and females when accounting for body composition.
- Energy expenditure remains stable from ages 20 to 60, holding steady even during pregnancy.
- After age 60, there's a decline in fat-free mass and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), but fat mass and body fat percentage generally remain unchanged.
- Age-related decreases in TDEE may be linked to reduced fat-free mass, decreased activity levels, and lower metabolic rates at the organ level.
- There's significant variation in energy expenditure among individuals, which cannot be easily predicted even when controlling for body composition, sex, and age.
- For adults below 60, TDEE estimates should focus on fat-free mass rather than focusing mainly on sex or age.
- Older adults should prioritize strategies to maintain high activity levels and preserve or enhance fat-free mass for better health outcomes.
- Due to individual differences, estimating TDEE using generic equations can be inaccurate, suggesting the need for more personalized approaches in diet and fitness apps.
Stronger By Science
Eric Trexler
