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The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions increase in the United States. Proponents stress that obesity is a disease because it is a result of genetics and biological factors, or illnesses, including hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome, disorders that cause weight gain. Opponents argue that obesity is not a disease because it is the result of a person's chosen lifestyle, eating habits, and environment. However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.
In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?
  • a)
    The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.
  • b)
    The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.
  • c)
    The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.
  • d)
    The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.
  • e)
    The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Verified Answer
The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates an...
Argument Analysis
 
Pre-Thinking
After the passage analysis, we should be able to pre-think the correct answer choice quite comfortably. Let’s look at the two boldface portions once again w.r.t. the main conclusion of the argument.
Main conclusion: The nation and its people would be benefited if we channelize our energies more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.
Bold-face portion 1 (BF1): The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions increase in the United States
Bold-face portion 2 (BF2): categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it
We know from the passage analysis that BF 1 states an observation made by author. It is stated in order to develop the argument.  BF2 is a part of author’s opinion. It is supporting the main conclusion by stating that it’s more important to focus our energies on tackling the root causes of obesity than on debating whether it is a disease or not. Since BF2 mentions that categorizing obesity is not going to help in addressing the causes behind it, it forms a strong basis for the main conclusion.
With this understanding in mind, let’s take a look at the option statements.
Answer Choices
A
The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 does describe a circumstance but its validity is never questioned. The author acknowledges that the debate regarding obesity is indeed growing. BF2 states that it’s not very useful to indulge in the debate mentioned in BF1.
B
The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF 1 is an observation but the main purpose of the argument is not to explain why the debate over obesity is growing.  This information has been used as background information to develop the argument further. BF2 could be considered a claim but it doesn’t explain an aspect of BF1, rather it challenges the usefulness of  the growing debate mentioned in BF1.
C
The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
As discussed above, BF1 is an observation; however argument doesn’t present any explanations of this observation. Since there are no two explanations offered, the description of BF2 in this choice is completely invalid.
D
The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.
Correct
Both boldface portions have been identified along the lines of our pre-thinking.
E
The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.
Incorrect – Both parts wrong
BF1 does not provide any reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument. In fact it is the conclusion of the argument that questions the relevance of the growing debate mentioned in BF 1. As noted in the prethinking, BF2 is used to support the (main) conclusion and not create any doubt on the same.
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Most Upvoted Answer
The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates an...
Explanation:

Role of the two boldface portions:
- The first boldface portion ("Proponents stress that obesity is a disease because it is a result of genetics and biological factors, or illnesses, including hypothyroidism and Cushings syndrome, disorders that cause weight gain.") is an observation that is not disputed by the argument. It presents the viewpoint of proponents who argue that obesity should be categorized as a disease due to genetic and biological factors.
- The second boldface portion ("Opponents argue that obesity is not a disease because it is the result of a person's chosen lifestyle, eating habits, and environment.") is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument. It reflects the opinion of opponents who argue against categorizing obesity as a disease and attribute it to lifestyle choices rather than biological factors.
Therefore, the first boldface portion presents an observation without dispute, while the second boldface portion presents a belief that aligns with the argument's conclusion. The combination of these two portions helps strengthen the argument's position that the focus should be on addressing underlying issues rather than debating the categorization of obesity.
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The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions increase in the United States. Proponents stress that obesity is a disease because it is a result of genetics and biological factors, or illnesses, including hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome, disorders that cause weight gain. Opponents argue that obesity is not a disease because it is the result of a person's chosen lifestyle, eating habits, and environment. However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions increase in the United States. Proponents stress that obesity is a disease because it is a result of genetics and biological factors, or illnesses, including hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome, disorders that cause weight gain. Opponents argue that obesity is not a disease because it is the result of a person's chosen lifestyle, eating habits, and environment. However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about The debate over whether obesity is a disease grows as obesity rates and the cost of treating obesity-related conditions increase in the United States. Proponents stress that obesity is a disease because it is a result of genetics and biological factors, or illnesses, including hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome, disorders that cause weight gain. Opponents argue that obesity is not a disease because it is the result of a person's chosen lifestyle, eating habits, and environment. However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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However, in this ever flaring debate on the categorization of obesity, both the sides ignore the fact that categorization of obesity in either way would not address the underlying problems causing it, problems such as poverty, the prevalence of unhealthy processed foods, etc. The nation and its people would be benefited if we focus more on tackling the underlying issues than on debating the categorization.In the argument above, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?a)The first describes a circumstance whose validity is questioned in the argument; the second raises that question.b)The first is an observation that the argument as a whole seeks to explain; the second is a claim that explains one aspect of the observation.c)The first is an observation, for which two possible explanations are presented in the argument; the second dismisses both of those explanations.d)The first is an observation that is not disputed by the argument; the second is a belief that supports the conclusion of the argument.e)The first provides a reason to doubt the conclusion of the argument; the second is the opinion that creates that doubt.Correct answer is option 'D'. 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