What effect does increasing exercise have on metabolic rate?

Increasing exercise has a well-documented effect on metabolic rate, primarily by increasing the energy expenditure of the body during physical activity. When you engage in exercise, your muscles use more energy, which boosts your overall metabolic rate. This elevated metabolic rate occurs because the body requires additional energy not only during the activity but also afterward, as it works to recover, repair muscles, and replenish energy stores.

Moreover, regular exercise can enhance muscle mass, and since muscle tissue burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue, this can lead to a sustained increase in resting metabolic rate over time.

While it is true that the immediate metabolic effects of exercise may vary based on intensity, duration, and type of activity, the overarching theme is that exercise tends to increase metabolic rate, especially with consistent and progressive training. Therefore, the assertion that increasing exercise raises metabolic rate aligns well with both short-term and long-term physiological responses to physical activity.