The Claim
Basal energy expenditure, adjusted for body composition and age, has declined by 14.7% in males and 2.0% in females over a 30-year period in U.S. and European populations, with the decline in males being statistically significant and sufficient to explain the reduction in total daily energy expenditure.
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, basal energy expenditure in U.S. and European males decreased by 14.7% and in females by 2.0%, after accounting for differences in body composition and age. The larger decline in males fully accounts for the overall drop in daily energy use.
See the scientific wording
Basal energy expenditure adjusted for body composition and age has declined by 14.7% in males and 2.0% in females over 30 years in U.S. and European populations, with the decline in males being statistically significant and sufficient to explain the reduction in total daily energy expenditure.
When people eat less saturated fat and more plant oils, the fats in their cell membranes become more fluid. This makes the energy-producing parts of cells less efficient at generating heat, so the body burns fewer calories while at rest. Over time, this change in diet has caused a steady drop in resting energy use.
What the research says
1 studyScientists found that men burn 14.7% less energy while resting today than they did 30 years ago, even after accounting for body size and age — and this drop explains why men overall use less energy daily. Women didn’t show the same big drop.
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.