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A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.


Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?

  • a)
    In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.

  • b)
    A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.

  • c)
    The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.

  • d)
    Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.

  • e)
    All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country   

Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio ...
It's a comparison type and generalisation kind CR Argument.
so the natural assumptions just after reading the passage are

what happened in the past is similar to present day survey.that means the measurement criteria has not changed.

survey word is used ,so another assumption will be

The survey sample is representative in both conditions.

so let's go to the choices
A says about fat ,what's the outcome do you know.we are sure it .ans is no I am not sure.so out

B says all the participants are having heigher height than the rest and the conclusion says the BMI MUST HAVE INCREASED IN PASSAGE.AND THIS COUNTERS THE CLAIM,bkz weight increased by 10% and heights of the sample space also increased above the average, but not given how much.and this is point that make the conclusion doubtful bkz the conclusion uses the word MUST increase.a slightest doubt creating but non extensive answer choice can be good strengthener or weakner.

c says nonsense.ha ha
d says obese have short life span so what do with bmi

e says cunning thing :it says major criteria for selection is willingness,now the question is who will have the willingness,and for godsake don't extrapolate to think that only higher weight to lower height people will agree to participate bla bla bla..
Answer is B,based the assumption that the survey sample is representative or its called the specific to generic assumption CR type.
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Community Answer
A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio ...
Understanding the Conclusion
The conclusion drawn states that due to a 10% increase in average weight, and no change in height, obesity levels in the country have increased since 1990. However, this conclusion relies heavily on the assumption that the survey population represents the entire population's height and weight distribution.
Why Option E Challenges the Conclusion
Option E states that all participants in the survey were taller than the average citizen of the country. This directly impacts the conclusion about obesity levels because:
- BMI Calculation: BMI is calculated using weight and height. If survey participants are taller than average, their BMI could be lower than those with average height, even if their weight has increased.
- Representation: If all individuals surveyed are taller than average, the average BMI calculated from their weights could misleadingly suggest a lower obesity rate than what might be true for the general population.
- Assumption of Height: The conclusion presumes that average height has not changed and applies the increased weight uniformly across the population. If the surveyed individuals are consistently taller, the obesity levels may not reflect the reality of the general population.
Conclusion
Therefore, option E effectively casts doubt on the conclusion by highlighting a significant factor (height) that could alter the interpretation of weight increases in relation to obesity. This option shows that the survey may not accurately represent the population, undermining the claim of increased obesity levels.
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A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
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Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice A person is considered obese if her BMI i.e. Body Mass Index, a ratio of a person’s weight to square of her height, exceeds a certain number. In 1990, the average BMI of the population was just below the threshold level for obesity. However, in a recent survey conducted, it was found that the average weight was 10% more than that of the population in 1990. Given that there has not been any increase in average height of the population since 1990, the obesity levels in the country must have increased.Which of the following, if true, would cast the strongest doubt on the conclusion drawn above?a)In another survey conducted, it was found that the average fat consumption by individuals in the country has decreased.b)A major criterion for selecting participants in the survey was the willingness of the participants to actively participate in the survey.c)The population of country has increased by more than 10% since 1990.d)Obese people have a shorter life span than other people.e)All the participants in the survey were taller than an average citizen of the country Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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