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'Almost 1.5 billion adults around the world are not getting enough exercise.' (Irish Times, 2018) (a) Discuss four factors that determine a person’s energy requirements - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2019
Question 2
'Almost 1.5 billion adults around the world are not getting enough exercise.' (Irish Times, 2018) (a) Discuss four factors that determine a person’s energy require... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Almost 1.5 billion adults around the world are not getting enough exercise.' (Irish Times, 2018) (a) Discuss four factors that determine a person’s energy requirements - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2 - 2019
Step 1
Discuss four factors that determine a person’s energy requirements.
Answer
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Age: Younger individuals generally require more energy as their bodies are still growing, while elderly individuals typically require less energy due to reduced activity levels and body mass.
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Gender: Males usually have a higher energy requirement than females because of greater muscle mass and higher metabolic rates.
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Physical Activity Level: More physically active individuals will require more energy to support their activity level, whereas sedentary individuals will need less.
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Body Composition: Individuals with more lean body mass (muscle) typically have higher energy needs than those with higher fat mass, as muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain.
Step 2
Having regard to current healthy eating guidelines, set out a menu (3 meals) for one day for a teenager who plays sport.
Answer
Breakfast
- Mixed fresh fruit & raspberry yogurt
- Porridge with full fat milk
- Poached eggs/wholemeal toast
- Tea/Coffee/Water
Lunch
- Tuna and pasta salad
- Strawberry smoothie
- Mixed nuts
- Water
Dinner
- Vegetable soup & brown bread
- Chicken curry & brown rice
- Apple & blackberry crumble with natural yogurt
- Water
Step 3
Outline the importance of balancing energy intake and energy output.
Answer
Balancing energy intake and output is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight. If energy intake exceeds energy output, it leads to weight gain, whereas if energy output exceeds intake, it can result in weight loss. Keeping this balance is essential not just for physical appearance, but for overall health, growth, and functioning of bodily systems.
Step 4
Explain basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Answer
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories required to maintain basic physiological functions at rest, such as breathing, circulation, and cell production. BMR can be affected by various factors, including age, gender, weight, and body composition. It represents the minimum energy expenditure necessary to sustain life when the body is at rest.