TExES Physical Education EC-12 Practice Exam

What statement about human metabolism is inaccurate?

1. When resting, more total calories are expended than during exercise.

2. Fasting diets speed up metabolism to lose weight.

3. Exercise stimulates the metabolism because lean muscle increases.

4. Adjustments in metabolism are slow and take place over long periods of time.

The correct answer is: Fasting diets speed up metabolism to lose weight.

Fasting diets are often believed to accelerate metabolism for weight loss; however, this statement is inaccurate. When an individual engages in a fasting diet, their body can actually enter a state of lower metabolic rate as a response to reduced caloric intake. The body conserves energy during periods of insufficient food, which can lead to a decrease in metabolic rate, rather than an increase. On the other hand, resting metabolism typically accounts for a significant portion of total calorie expenditure, as it includes the energy needed for essential physiological functions, and physical activity generally contributes less to total caloric burn. Exercise does stimulate metabolism, especially through the development of lean muscle mass, as it requires energy expenditure during and after physical activity. Metabolism adjustments generally occur gradually, influenced by long-term changes in activity levels, diet, and body composition.