How many calories does adding a pound of muscle typically increase daily metabolic energy costs?

Adding a pound of muscle tissue can increase daily metabolic energy costs because muscle is metabolically active, meaning it requires energy even at rest. The correct answer reflects that for each pound of muscle gained, there’s typically an increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR) of about 11 to 15 calories per day. This range indicates that muscle tissue, while more energy demanding than fat, still doesn’t require excessively high amounts of energy compared to other factors influencing metabolism, like physical activity levels and overall body composition.

This understanding is particularly important for individuals looking to enhance their body composition, as increasing muscle mass can lead to a higher calorie expenditure over time, contributing to weight management and overall health. The other ranges provided, while they may contain some elements of truth regarding variations in individual metabolic rates and other factors, do not accurately represent the commonly accepted increase associated with muscle gain.