What physiological change accompanies an increase in resting metabolic rate?

An increase in resting metabolic rate (RMR) is associated with enhanced calorie expenditure. When RMR rises, it indicates that the body is burning more calories at rest compared to when the RMR is lower. This increased calorie expenditure can stem from various factors such as increased muscle mass, hormonal changes, or enhanced thermogenesis.

Muscle tissue is metabolically active and requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue, which contributes to higher overall calorie burn. Thus, a higher RMR means the body is more efficient at utilizing energy, even when not engaging in physical activity.

This physiological change can have significant implications for weight management and overall health, as individuals with a higher RMR may find it easier to maintain or lose weight, given that they can eat more calories while still creating a caloric deficit. Such a change plays a crucial role in nutrition and fitness strategies aimed at body composition improvement.