ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

For individuals who are obese, each pound of excess body weight translates to how much additional stress on the knee?

1. 2lb

2. 3lb

3. 4lb

4. 5lb

The correct answer is: 4lb

When considering the impact of excess body weight on the knees, research demonstrates that for every pound of excess weight, there is approximately four pounds of additional stress placed on the knees during activities such as walking or climbing stairs. This principle is especially significant for individuals who are obese, as it underscores the relationship between body weight and joint health. The knees are weight-bearing joints, meaning they must support the entire weight of the body. Therefore, each pound of increased body weight can multiply the force exerted on the joints during movement, leading to discomfort, pain, and increased risk of injury or osteoarthritis over time. Understanding this correlation is crucial for health coaches as it informs strategies to promote weight management and physical activity safely for clients.