Body Surface Area as a Predictor of Energy Expenditure During Moderate Physical Work: Evidence from Generation Z Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.539Keywords:
Body Surface Area, Biophysics, Energy Expenditure, Generation Z, Health Assessment, Moderate Physical Work, Physical Activity, Public Health Sustainability, Quality EducationAbstract
This study examined Body Surface Area (BSA) as a predictor of Energy Expenditure (EE) during moderate physical work among Generation Z students. Anchored on physiological and biophysical concepts linking body size, metabolic demand, and energy utilization, the study employed a quantitative-correlational research design. It involved 100 Generation Z students enrolled in Biophysics classes at Mindanao State University-Sulu. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data were gathered through anthropometric measurements and standard physiological computations. Body Surface Area was computed using height and width measurements, while Energy Expenditure was estimated using the Metabolic Equivalent of Task formula. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the respondents’ profile, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to determine the relationship between BSA and EE at the 0.10 level of significance. Findings showed that most respondents were female, mostly aged 21 to 24 years old, with a mean age of 22.9 years. The study revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between Body Surface Area and Energy Expenditure, with r = 0.753 and p < .001. This indicates that students with larger body surface areas tend to expend more energy during moderate physical work. The study concluded that BSA may serve as a useful predictor of EE among Generation Z individuals. Future studies are recommended to include a more balanced gender distribution and additional variables such as body composition, fitness level, and lifestyle practices. The study supports SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4 on Quality Education by contributing to health assessment, physical activity planning, and scientific inquiry in Biophysics. Its sustainability impact lies in supporting public health and educational sustainability through evidence-based understanding of energy use among young adults.
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