Mixed
Total energy expenditure (TEE) and activity energy expenditure (AEE) exhibit greater male variability (GMV) that peaks in young adulthood and declines in old age, whereas basal energy expenditure (BEE) and standard morphometrics (height, fat-free mass) do not follow this specific life-course pattern.
Energy expenditure is not a fixed number but a variable trait that differs significantly between individuals, especially men during their reproductive years. This variability is driven by complex interactions of activity, muscle mass, and other traits, not just basal metabolic rate or height. For health planning, individualized assessment of energy needs is more critical than relying on population averages, particularly for young adult males.
Total EE, and to some degree also activity EE, exhibit considerable greater male variation (GMV) in young adults, and then a decrease in the degree of GMV in progressively older individuals. Arguably, basal EE, and also morphometrics, do not exhibit this pattern.
Why this rating
Large dataset (IAEA DLW Database v.3.7) with nearly 5000 females and 2600 males, using robust Bayesian statistical modeling.
Source
Greater male variability in daily energy expenditure develops through puberty
Lewis G. Halsey et al. · Biology Letters · 2023
DOI 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0152
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