How much of one’s body weight is typically made up of water? a. 25-35% b. 10-15% c. 40-80% d. ~85% e. 20-25%
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. 40-80%.
Water makes up a significant portion of the human body, typically ranging between 40% to 80% of total body weight. This percentage can vary based on factors like age, sex, body composition, and health. In general, water constitutes a larger proportion of body weight in younger people and decreases with age.
For adults, the average amount of body weight that is water is around 60%. However, this figure is not fixed. Infants, for example, can have a much higher percentage of water in their bodies, sometimes as much as 75%, due to their higher metabolic rate and the fact that water is crucial for growth and development. On the other hand, older adults, particularly those with a higher percentage of body fat, may have a lower percentage of water in their bodies since fat tissue contains less water than lean muscle tissue.
Men generally have a higher percentage of body water compared to women, primarily because men tend to have a higher muscle mass. Muscle tissue holds more water than fat, which leads to a higher overall water percentage in men. For example, a lean male may have 60-65% of their body weight in water, while women tend to have about 55-60%, though this can vary depending on individual factors.
Water is essential for numerous vital functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, removing waste, and maintaining proper cell function. Since water accounts for such a large portion of body weight, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall health and well-being. Dehydration, even at levels of 1-2% body weight loss, can affect physical performance, cognitive function, and overall health.