What effect does higher muscle mass have on metabolism?

Higher muscle mass has a significant impact on metabolism by elevating the resting metabolic rate (RMR). Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it requires more energy to maintain compared to fat tissue. This increased demand for energy results in a higher RMR for individuals with greater muscle mass.

As muscle mass increases, the body burns more calories at rest, which can be beneficial for weight management and fat loss. This is particularly important for individuals looking to improve their body composition, as a higher metabolic rate can aid in creating a calorie deficit needed for fat loss while preserving lean muscle.

In contrast, lower muscle mass often leads to a lower RMR, resulting in fewer calories being burned throughout the day, which can make maintaining or achieving weight loss more challenging. Thus, having a higher muscle mass is favorable for boosting metabolism.