64. Physicians are reviewing patient data to explore the relationship between daily physical exercise and body mass index (BMI). They categorize patients into non-exerciser and exerciser groups and according to low BMI and high BMI ratings. The data is put into a table: According to the table, what is true about the relationship between exercise and BMI?
Answer: C
Exercisers are more likely to have a low BMI because 57.7% > 42.3%.
The data indicates that a higher percentage of exercisers fall into the low BMI category, suggesting a positive correlation between regular exercise and lower body mass index.
A) Non-exercisers are less likely to have a low BMI because 58.8% > 41.2%.
This statement incorrectly interprets the data by suggesting that non-exercisers are less likely to have a low BMI. The comparison of 58.8% and 41.2% does not reflect the relationship being analyzed, as these percentages do not pertain to the low BMI category for non-exercisers.
B) Exercisers are more likely to have a low BMI because 57.7% > 41.2%.
While this option correctly states that exercisers are more likely to have a low BMI, the comparison used (57.7% > 41.2%) is not relevant to the specific breakdown of BMI categories in the context provided. The correct comparison must involve the percentage of exercisers with low BMI against the percentage of non-exercisers, which is not addressed here.
C) Exercisers are more likely to have a low BMI because 57.7% > 42.3%.
This option accurately reflects the data, showing that 57.7% of exercisers fall into the low BMI category compared to only 42.3% of non-exercisers. This direct comparison illustrates the relationship between exercise and lower BMI effectively.
D) Non-exercisers are less likely to have a low BMI because 42.3% > 41.2%.
This statement misrepresents the data by incorrectly implying that non-exercisers are less likely to have a low BMI based on an irrelevant comparison. The figures presented do not speak directly to the likelihood of non-exercisers having a low BMI, thus rendering this statement inaccurate.
Conclusion
Option C is definitively correct as it directly correlates the higher percentage of exercisers with low BMI against the percentage of non-exercisers, supporting the conclusion that regular exercise is linked to lower body mass index. The other options either misinterpret the data or fail to make relevant comparisons that would support their claims.