The Claim
Total daily energy expenditure, adjusted for body composition and age, decreased by 7.7% in males and 5.6% in females over a 30-year period (1981–2017) in U.S. and European adult populations, despite increased activity energy expenditure, indicating a decline in basal energy expenditure as a key contributor to rising obesity rates.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Over 30 years, total daily energy use dropped by 7.7% in men and 5.6% in women in the U.S. and Europe, even though physical activity increased, showing that resting metabolic rate declined and contributed to rising obesity rates.
See the scientific wording
Total daily energy expenditure adjusted for body composition and age has declined by 7.7% in males and 5.6% in females over a 30-year period (1981–2017) in U.S. and European adult populations, despite an increase in activity energy expenditure, suggesting a previously unrecognized decline in basal energy expenditure as a key contributor to rising obesity rates.
The body's internal temperature has dropped over time, so it needs less energy to stay warm. This means the mitochondria in cells burn fewer calories just to keep the body at its normal temperature, even when resting.
What the research says
1 studyEven though people today move more than 30 years ago, their bodies burn less energy while at rest — especially in men — and this slower resting metabolism likely helps explain why more people are gaining weight.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.