What factors influence an individual's energy needs?

The correct answer highlights that an individual's energy needs are influenced by multiple factors including activity level, age, gender, and body composition.

Activity level is crucial because it directly affects the number of calories an individual burns each day; more active individuals require more energy. Age is also significant, as metabolism typically slows with age, and nutrient needs change. Gender plays a role due to differences in muscle mass and hormonal profiles, which can affect energy expenditure. Additionally, body composition, specifically the proportion of lean mass to fat mass, impacts basal metabolic rate—individuals with more muscle generally have higher energy needs than those with a higher fat mass.

While age and weight, as well as gender and height, are relevant, they do not encapsulate the complete spectrum of factors affecting energy requirements. Dietary preferences, while they can influence caloric intake, are not primary factors in determining overall energy needs. Thus, the most comprehensive answer, which includes all significant influences, centers on activity level, age, gender, and body composition.