Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Which of the following is a false statement regarding body mass index (BMI)?

1. BMI is the best measure of body fat on an individual

2. Men typically have less body fat than women at the same BMI

3. Competitive athletes may have a higher BMI due to muscle mass

4. BMI's for children are interpreted differently than adults

The correct answer is: BMI is the best measure of body fat on an individual

Body mass index (BMI) is a widely used tool for categorizing individuals based on their weight relative to height, but it does have limitations. The statement that BMI is the best measure of body fat on an individual is false because BMI does not differentiate between muscle mass, fat mass, and bone density. While a higher BMI can indicate higher body fat, it is not an accurate reflection of body fat percentage for everyone. For instance, athletes may have a high BMI due to increased muscle mass rather than excess fat. In contrast to this false statement, the other options accurately describe aspects of BMI and its interpretation. For example, the fact that men typically have less body fat than women at the same BMI recognizes the biological differences in body composition. The statement regarding competitive athletes reflects the reality that muscle weighs more than fat, which can skew BMI measurements higher even when body fat percentage is low. Lastly, the interpretation of BMI for children being different from adults is grounded in the need to consider growth stages and developmental changes, making it necessary to use age and sex-specific percentiles for proper assessment.