What component of fitness is assessed by measuring body composition?

• A. Aerobic capacity
• B. Muscle endurance
• C. Muscle strength
• D. Overall physical health

Answer: (D)

Body composition is a key indicator of overall physical health as it provides insights into the proportion of fat and non-fat mass in the body. By measuring body composition, one can assess health risks associated with being underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. A healthy body composition is often linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases, enhanced physical performance, and improved overall well-being.

While components like aerobic capacity, muscle endurance, and muscle strength are important aspects of fitness, they focus on different physical abilities and performance metrics rather than the qualitative measurement of body fat versus lean mass. Therefore, the assessment of body composition directly correlates with understanding and evaluating overall physical health.