What is the relationship between physical activity and body composition?

• A. Less activity improves body composition
• B. Caloric intake adjusts automatically with activity
• C. More physical activity leads to healthier body composition by burning fat
• D. Body composition is fixed at birth and cannot change

Answer: (C)

Increasing physical activity shifts body composition toward a healthier balance of fat and lean mass. When you move more, your body burns more calories. If you don’t simply eat more to match that energy burn, the extra energy comes from stored fat, reducing fat mass. Regular activity, especially combining cardio with resistance training, also helps preserve or build muscle, which increases lean mass. Over time, this mix lowers overall body fat and raises lean tissue, leading to a healthier body composition.

It isn’t true that less activity would improve composition, nor that caloric intake automatically adjusts with activity, and body composition isn’t fixed at birth—it can change with activity and diet.