Final answer:
To calculate the percent of fat-free mass lost, subtract the final fat-free mass from the initial fat-free mass and divide by the initial total body mass, then multiply by 100. The athlete lost 14.3% of their fat-free mass relative to their total body mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
An energy deficit occurs when the body expends more energy than it consumes. In this case, the athlete studied worked at an energy deficit for 14 weeks. Fat-free mass refers to the mass of the body that is not composed of fat, such as muscle, bones, and organs. Total body mass includes both fat-free mass and fat mass. To calculate the percent of fat-free mass lost, you need to know the amount of fat-free mass lost and the initial total body mass.
Let's assume the athlete's initial total body mass is 70 kg and at the end of the 14 weeks, their fat-free mass is 60 kg. To calculate the percent of fat-free mass lost, subtract the final fat-free mass from the initial fat-free mass (70 kg - 60 kg = 10 kg). Then divide the result by the initial total body mass and multiply by 100 to get the percentage (10 kg / 70 kg * 100 = 14.3%). Therefore, the athlete lost 14.3% of their fat-free mass relative to their total body mass.