5. Physicians have reviewed patient data to explore the relationship between daily physical exercise and body mass index (BMI). They categorized patients into non-exerciser and exerciser groups and according to low BMI and high BMI ratings. The data paints a vibrant picture where non-exercisers consist of 41.20% with a low BMI and 58.80% with a high BMI, harmonizing to 100%, while exercisers craft a different narrative with 57.70% holding a low BMI and 42.30% with a high BMI, also reaching 100%. How can this data be interpreted?
Answer: D
Those with high BMI are more likely to be non-exercisers because 58.8% is greater than 42.3%.
The data indicates that a higher percentage of non-exercisers have a high BMI compared to exercisers. Specifically, 58.8% of non-exercisers fall into the high BMI category, which is significantly greater than the 42.3% of exercisers who are categorized as having a high BMI.
A) Those with high BMI are less likely to be non-exercisers because 41.2% is less than 42.3%.
This option is incorrect because it misinterprets the relationship between BMI and exercise. The percentage of non-exercisers with low BMI (41.2%) does not directly influence the likelihood of having a high BMI; rather, the relevant comparison is between the high BMI percentages of non-exercisers and exercisers.
B) Those with high BMI are less likely to be non-exercisers because 57.7% is less than 58.8%.
This option is also incorrect. While it correctly identifies the percentages, it misinterprets the data's implications. The statement suggests that a lower percentage of exercisers with low BMI indicates a lesser likelihood of non-exercisers having high BMI, which is a flawed interpretation of the data.
C) Those with high BMI are less likely to be non-exercisers because 58.8% is greater than 41.2%.
This option is misleading. Although it accurately states that 58.8% is greater than 41.2%, it incorrectly concludes that this supports a lesser likelihood of non-exercisers having a high BMI. The relevant comparison should be between the high BMI percentages of both groups, not just the low BMI percentages.
D) Those with high BMI are more likely to be non-exercisers because 58.8% is greater than 42.3%.
This option is correct. It highlights that a greater percentage of non-exercisers (58.8%) have a high BMI compared to exercisers (42.3%). This indicates a stronger association between being a non-exerciser and having a high BMI, which is supported by the data.
Conclusion
The correct interpretation of the data shows that non-exercisers are more likely to have a high BMI, as indicated by the higher percentage of non-exercisers (58.8%) falling into this category compared to exercisers (42.3%). The other options either misinterpret the relationships or present comparisons that do not support the conclusions drawn from the data. Thus, option D is the definitive answer.