Describe the Swinamer Equation.

• A. The Swinamer Equation uses body surface area to predict resting metabolic rate
• B. The Swinamer Equation uses body weight as the sole predictor
• C. The Swinamer Equation estimates energy expenditure based on activity level only
• D. The Swinamer Equation ignores temperature and respiratory parameters

Answer: (A)

The Swinamer Equation estimates resting metabolic rate by linking energy use to body surface area. Resting metabolic rate reflects the energy the body needs at rest, and body size is a major driver of that energy need. Using body surface area as the predictor captures how larger bodies with more tissue and heat loss surfaces require more energy to maintain basic functions, without relying on weight alone or on activity level. It does not rely on explicit temperature or respiratory measurements in its basic form, though surface area itself is derived from height and weight. In practice, you compute body surface area from height and weight and then apply a constant to estimate resting energy expenditure, which is why the description that the Swinamer Equation uses body surface area to predict resting metabolic rate is the best fit.