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Why does the BMI rise in middle age?

a) BMI increases in middle age due to decreased muscle mass.
b) The rise in BMI during middle age is primarily due to an increase in height.
c) Middle-aged individuals tend to gain fat and lose muscle, contributing to higher BMIs.
d) BMI in middle age decreases as a result of improved metabolism.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The rise in BMI during middle age is primarily due to the fact that middle-aged individuals tend to gain fat and lose muscle, which contributes to higher BMIs. This decrease in muscle mass and increase in fat mass can be attributed to several factors, including a decline in metabolic rate and reduced physical activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rise in BMI during middle age is primarily due to the fact that middle-aged individuals tend to gain fat and lose muscle, which contributes to higher BMIs. This decrease in muscle mass and increase in fat mass can be attributed to several factors, including a decline in metabolic rate and reduced physical activity. As the human body's metabolic rate decreases with age, there is a natural decline in lean muscle mass, which leads to a slower metabolism and a higher BMI. It is important to note that BMI measurements have limitations and do not take into account factors such as fat distribution and fitness level.

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