How does physical activity affect metabolism?

Physical activity plays a significant role in influencing metabolism, and one of the primary ways it does this is through enhancing metabolic rate both during the activity itself and in the recovery period afterward. When engaging in physical exercise, the body requires more energy to fuel the muscles and maintain increased heart rates, which leads to a higher caloric burn during the activity.

Additionally, after exercising, the body often enters a state known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), where the metabolic rate remains elevated for a while as the body works to recover. This includes repairing muscle tissues, replenishing depleted energy stores, and normalizing physiological functions, all of which require energy. Thus, physical activity significantly boosts both the immediate and prolonged metabolic processes, making this option the most accurate reflection of the relationship between physical activity and metabolism.

Other options, while they do touch on aspects of metabolism, do not accurately capture the overall positive effects of physical activity. For instance, decreasing energy expenditure at rest or slowing down carbohydrate digestion do not align with the typical outcomes seen from engaging in physical exercise. Likewise, the notion of reducing the need for caloric intake while being physically active contradicts the understanding that increased physical jobs usually raise caloric needs to support the active lifestyle.