Question

a group of protesters went on a hunger strike and drastically lowered their caloric intake. it is likely that in response to this semistarvation: their basal metabolic rate decreased, and they lost weight. they decreased their energy expenditure but did not lose weight. they increased their energy expenditure but did not lose weight. their basal metabolic rate decreased, but their weight did not change.

Explanation:

When there is semistarvation (drastically lowered caloric intake), the body tries to conserve energy. The basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the rate at which the body burns energy at rest, decreases as a survival mechanism. Since caloric intake is lower than what is needed for normal body functions (and BMR is part of the energy - expenditure equation), the body will use stored energy (such as fat) leading to weight loss.

• Option 2: Decreasing energy expenditure (which BMR is a major component of) without weight loss is incorrect because if energy intake (calories) is lower than energy expenditure (even if expenditure is decreased), weight loss occurs.
• Option 3: Increasing energy expenditure with no weight loss is wrong as semistarvation would not lead to increased energy expenditure.
• Option 4: If basal metabolic rate decreases and caloric intake is low, weight change (loss) should occur.

Answer:

their basal metabolic rate decreased, and they lost weight.