Factors that Influence Calorific Requirement

1. Body size
A person with a large body frame needs to take a bigger portion of food
because he or she needs to have more energy compared to someone with
a smaller frame. Your body shape and size affect the number of calories
you need because muscle burns more calories than body fat does. So, if
you’re solid and have a greater proportion of muscle to fat, your
metabolism is higher. Likewise, if you have more body fat and less muscle,
your metabolism is lower, and you have a greater tendency to store fat
than someone who is tall and thin.

2. Age
Children and teenagers require more carbohydrates for energy and
protein for growth because they are growing and are more active
compared to adults. The aging body replaces muscle with fat, which burns
fewer calories than muscle does. Staying active and doing muscle-
strengthening exercises keeps muscle mass intact. Recent work with
seniors proves that you can build muscle at any age.

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