Which factor could significantly alter an individual's dietary requirements?

Age is a significant factor that can alter an individual's dietary requirements because nutritional needs change throughout the lifecycle. For example, children require more calories and specific nutrients to support growth and development, while adults have different needs that emphasize maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. As individuals age, their metabolism typically slows down, and their nutrient needs may shift, often necessitating adjustments in diet to account for changes in energy expenditure, physical activity levels, and the body's ability to absorb nutrients. These alterations underscore the importance of tailoring dietary choices to accommodate the specific needs associated with different stages of life.

In contrast, while favorite foods, social circles, and hobbies can influence dietary preferences and food choices, they do not inherently change nutritional needs. These factors may affect an individual's eating patterns or the types of foods consumed, but they are not direct determinants of the body's nutritional requirements in the way that age is.