ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which factor contributes most to an increase in body fat?

1. caloric restriction

2. sedentary lifestyle

3. excessive physical activity

4. inadequate hydration

The correct answer is: sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor to an increase in body fat primarily because it leads to a decrease in the overall energy expenditure of an individual. When a person is inactive, they are not burning as many calories as they would through regular physical activity. This imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure can result in excess calories being stored as body fat. In contrast, caloric restriction usually leads to weight loss rather than an increase in body fat, while excessive physical activity tends to promote fat loss and muscle maintenance or growth. Inadequate hydration, while important for overall health, does not directly contribute to an increase in body fat like a lack of physical activity does. Therefore, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for managing body composition effectively and preventing the accumulation of excess body fat.