General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Physical Education (PE) Practice Exam

Body composition primarily refers to the ratio of body fat to lean body tissue. This concept is critical in physical education and sports science as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s physique than simply using weight as a measure. While total weight can include muscle, fat, bones, and water, body composition specifically breaks down these elements into categories of fat and lean mass, enabling a clearer insight into an individual’s health and fitness levels.

Evaluating body composition helps in assessing fitness and health risks, given that excess body fat is often linked to various health issues, whereas lean body mass (which includes muscle) is associated with strength and metabolic function. This distinction illustrates why option B is the most accurate representation of body composition.