Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Two men are the same age and both weigh the same, but one man is 5'7" and the other is 6' tall. What can be determined about their resting metabolic rate?

1. their resting metabolic rate is about the same

2. the resting metabolic rate is higher for the taller man

3. the resting metabolic rate is higher for the shorter man

4. It is difficult to draw conclusions based on the information available

The correct answer is: the resting metabolic rate is higher for the taller man

The resting metabolic rate (RMR) is influenced by several factors, including body composition, age, gender, and height. While both men share the same age and weight, height plays a significant role in determining RMR. Generally speaking, taller individuals tend to have a higher RMR than shorter individuals because they usually have a larger body surface area and may have more lean mass, even if their weights are the same. In this case, since one man is 6 feet tall and the other is 5'7", the taller man is likely to have a higher metabolic rate. His greater height suggests he may have a larger body surface area, which can increase energy expenditure at rest. Although their weights are identical, the relationship between height and resting metabolic rate supports the idea that the resting metabolic rate is higher for the taller man. Thus, the option that states the resting metabolic rate is higher for the taller man aligns with the established understanding of how height can influence metabolic rates. The factors surrounding this calculation—like body composition—are not presented in the question, making it reasonable to conclude that height is a determining factor in this scenario.