What percent decrease in average energy needs is observed per decade in adults?

What percent decrease in average energy needs is observed per decade in adults?

• A. 5%
• B. 7%
• C. 3%
• D. 10%

Answer: (A)

Energy needs in adulthood gradually decline as people age due to declines in resting energy expenditure from loss of lean body mass and hormonal changes, often accompanied by reduced physical activity. The convention used in nutrition practice is that average energy needs fall about 5% per decade. So, with a starting need of, say, 2000 kcal/day, you’d expect roughly a 100 kcal per decade decrease. This modest, steady decline reflects the combined effects of a lower basal metabolic rate and typical activity changes, while still allowing for substantial individual variation based on muscle mass, activity level, and health. The other options imply too large or too small a change for the typical aging trajectory, making 5% the most appropriate general estimate.

Energy needs in adulthood gradually decline as people age due to declines in resting energy expenditure from loss of lean body mass and hormonal changes, often accompanied by reduced physical activity. The convention used in nutrition practice is that average energy needs fall about 5% per decade. So, with a starting need of, say, 2000 kcal/day, you’d expect roughly a 100 kcal per decade decrease. This modest, steady decline reflects the combined effects of a lower basal metabolic rate and typical activity changes, while still allowing for substantial individual variation based on muscle mass, activity level, and health. The other options imply too large or too small a change for the typical aging trajectory, making 5% the most appropriate general estimate.