What primary factor contributes to lower sweat rates in children?

The primary factor that contributes to lower sweat rates in children is their lower rate of sweat production. Children typically have a different physiological response to heat compared to adults. Their bodies produce less sweat due to factors such as lower overall body mass and surface area relative to volume, which affects their heat dissipation strategies.

As a result, children may not sweat as effectively as adults during physical activity or exposure to heat, making them more prone to overheating. Additionally, the efficiency of sweating and the ability to regulate body temperature are still developing in children, which contributes to their lower sweat production rates.

In contrast, higher body temperature and a higher active metabolic rate in children can lead to increased heat production, but this is not as directly related to sweat rates as the rate of sweat production itself. Similarly, sweat gland density is generally adequate in children, meaning it does not significantly hinder their ability to sweat; instead, it's the lower production that limits their sweat responses during exercise or in hot environments.