Describe how body composition affects health and physical performance. In your answer, explain the difference between essential fat and storage fat, and outline the recommended body fat percentages for men and women. (5 marks)
--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Sample Answer
- Body composition affects health by influencing metabolic function, with excessive fat increasing risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
- Physical performance is impacted by body composition as excessive fat increases energy demands and reduces power-to-weight ratio in most activities.
- Essential fat surrounds and protects vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and nerves, and its absence would lead to chronic health problems.
- Storage fat serves as an energy reserve, providing fuel during extended exercise when blood glucose is depleted and during rest periods.
- Recommended body fat percentages are 15-20% for men and 20-25% for women according to the syllabus.
- Women naturally maintain higher body fat percentages than men due to physiological and hormonal differences.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- Body composition affects health by influencing metabolic function, with excessive fat increasing risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
- Physical performance is impacted by body composition as excessive fat increases energy demands and reduces power-to-weight ratio in most activities.
- Essential fat surrounds and protects vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and nerves, and its absence would lead to chronic health problems.
- Storage fat serves as an energy reserve, providing fuel during extended exercise when blood glucose is depleted and during rest periods.
- Recommended body fat percentages are 15-20% for men and 20-25% for women according to the syllabus.
- Women naturally maintain higher body fat percentages than men due to physiological and hormonal differences.