Which factor does NOT affect the number of calories required by an individual?

Dietary preference does not directly affect the number of calories required by an individual. The number of calories a person needs is primarily influenced by factors such as height, age, and energy expenditure.

Height is significant because taller individuals typically have a larger body mass, which requires more energy for basic metabolic functions and daily activities. Age plays a role as well, as metabolic rates usually decrease with age, affecting overall calorie needs. Energy expenditure encompasses the calories burned through physical activity; people who are more active will require more calories to maintain their energy balance.

In contrast, dietary preferences may dictate the types of foods an individual chooses to eat, but they do not influence the physiological factors that determine caloric needs. Thus, while preferences may impact the quality or composition of the diet, they do not change the fundamental caloric requirements dictated by the body’s size, age, and activity levels.