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Energy Balance and Metabolism

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Energy Balance and Metabolism

Follow energy through a busy day. Use the information in each scenario, show working for calculations, and remember that energy needs vary between people. There is no single kilojoule target that suits every teenager.

Where does the energy go?

The body uses energy for essential functions such as breathing and keeping warm; movement, including sport and everyday walking; and growth and repair. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy used for essential functions while at rest. Non-exercise activity includes everyday movement such as standing, walking around and fidgeting. Activity estimates are only guides: they vary with body size, pace and other factors. BMR can vary with age, body size and composition, growth, and genetics.

1.Xavier is planning a school day. Which is an example of non-exercise activity rather than planned exercise?

Walking to class between lessons
A scheduled swimming training session
A fast-paced game of netball
A timed fitness circuit

2.BMR is not the same for everyone. Choose two factors that can influence a person's BMR, then explain briefly why one of them matters.

3.Complete the statement: If energy intake from food and drinks is greater than energy output, this is a energy balance.

4.Complete the statement: If energy intake from food and drinks is less than energy output, this is a energy balance.

Activity and energy

These rounded figures are fictional classroom estimates for a 60 kg teenager, not personal targets. Actual energy use differs from person to person and from one activity session to another.

Activity

Approximate energy used

Sitting and studying

400 kJ

Moderate-paced walking

1,200 kJ

Basketball

2,100 kJ

Freestyle swimming

2,500 kJ

5.Using the classroom guide, how much more energy is used in one hour of moderate-paced walking than in one hour of sitting and studying? Show your subtraction.

6.A basketball session lasts 30 minutes. Using the guide, estimate the energy used during the session. State why this is only an estimate.

7.During a short, intense sprint, muscles need energy quickly. Which statement best describes aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways?

Aerobic pathways use oxygen; anaerobic pathways can supply energy without using oxygen directly.
Aerobic pathways only work during sleep; anaerobic pathways only work during meals.
Both pathways stop when exercise begins.
Anaerobic pathways always provide energy more slowly than aerobic pathways.

Solve a day-plan puzzle

For this simplified classroom puzzle, a fictional teenager's estimated energy intake is 10,500 kJ. The day's estimated energy output is: BMR, 7,200 kJ; football training, 1,800 kJ; and other daily activities, 600 kJ. Treat these figures as estimates, not advice or a personal target.

8.Calculate the day's total estimated energy output, then find the energy balance using: intake − output. Is the result positive, negative or balanced?

9.A friend sees the positive result and says, “Everyone should eat less tomorrow to fix it.” Give two reasons this is not a sound conclusion from one day's estimate.

10.A classmate suggests skipping meals and doing extra exercise to change their body quickly. Write a supportive response with two reasons crash diets or severe restriction can be harmful during adolescence, and one safe next step.

11.Write one balanced, non-judgemental question you could ask a health professional if you wanted to understand energy balance or metabolism better.