Jose

Question

Age: 16
BMI: 28
Waist-to-hip ratio: 0.89
% body fat: 8.5%
Activity level: very active

David
Age: 14
BMI: 23
Waist-to-hip ratio: 1.0
% body fat: 31%
Activity level: inactive

Carla
Age: 13
BMI: 16
Waist-to-hip ratio: 0.77
% body fat: 12%
Activity level: minimally active

Mariah
Age: 15
BMI: 25
Waist-to-hip ratio: 0.78
% body fat: 23%
Activity level: moderately active

Based on BMI alone, which of the boys (Jose or David) is at the greater risk for health problems?

Considering % body fat and waist-to-hip ratio, which boy is at greater risk for health problems?

Overall, who do you think is healthier, David or Jose? Why?

What do you notice about Carla’s profile? What concerns do you have about her health based on the information given?

Which individual has the healthiest profile overall? Why?

Answer 1

Based on BMI alone

Jose has a BMI of 28, which classifies him as overweight, while David has a BMI of 23, which is considered normal. Therefore, based on BMI alone, Jose is at a greater risk for health problems due to being in the overweight category.

Considering % body fat and waist-to-hip ratio

Looking at body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio, David has a much higher body fat percentage (31%), which is considered high, especially for his age. His waist-to-hip ratio of 1.0 suggests a higher risk for health issues related to visceral fat. In contrast, Jose has a much lower body fat percentage (8.5%) and a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.89, which is within a healthier range. Therefore, considering these additional factors, David appears to be at greater risk for health problems.

Who is healthier, David or Jose?

Based on overall health markers—BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio—Jose might be considered healthier despite his higher BMI since he has a much lower body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio. However, his elevated BMI does suggest potential risks related to weight. Ultimately, it seems like Jose has a better profile primarily due to his physical activity level and lower body fat.

Concerns about Carla’s profile

Carla's profile indicates a very low BMI of 16, classified as underweight. Her body fat percentage of 12% is also on the lower end, which may suggest she has insufficient fat reserves. While her waist-to-hip ratio (0.77) is healthy, her overall low body weight is concerning. I would be worried about potential issues such as nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and other health risks associated with being underweight.

Healthiest individual overall

Considering all the data, Jose has the healthiest profile overall. He is very active, which positively influences his physical health, despite carrying a little extra weight according to BMI. His low body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio indicate he is likely in better physical shape than the others, especially in comparison to David and Carla's concerning health metrics.