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Question: Despite the relentless pursuit of fitness portrayed by the media, the population of the nation is, on average, plumper than was the population 30 years ago. By 2008, the average adult is 11 pounds heavier than was the average adult in 1978.
Which of the following is an assumption underlying the argument above regarding today's average adult?
(A) Today's average adult is not substantially overweight.
(B) Today's average adult is trying to lose weight.
(C) Today's average adult eats healthier food than did the average adult of the past.
(D) Today's average adult is not older than was the average adult of the past.
(E) Today's average adult is not significantly taller than was the average adult of the past.
Answer: E
Explanation:
Given that, Despite the media's obsession with fitness, the nation's population is shrinking. The average adult is 11 pounds heavier in 2008 than in 1978.
Let's approach the answer choices.
A: Incorrect
This option doesn't necessarily address the argument. The argument is about the increase in average weight over 30 years despite media emphasis on fitness, not whether today's average adult is overweight or not.
B: Incorrect
This option is not directly related to the argument. The argument is about the increase in average weight over time, not about the intentions of individuals to lose weight.
C: Incorrect
This option is somewhat related, but it's not a necessary assumption. Even if today's adults are eating healthier food, it doesn't directly explain the increase in average weight over time. Other factors like changes in physical activity, metabolism, and lifestyle habits could also contribute to the weight gain.
D: Incorrect
This option is not relevant to the argument. The age of the average adult population doesn't directly relate to the argument about weight gain over time.
E: Correct
This option addresses the idea that the increase in weight might be due to an increase in average height over the years. If people are taller on average now compared to 30 years ago, then the increase in weight might not be solely due to being "plumper." This assumption reinforces the idea that the increase in weight is likely due to factors other than just an increase in height.
“Despite the relentless pursuit of fitness portrayed by the media”– is a GMAT Critical question. To answer the question, a candidate can either find a piece of evidence that would weaken the argument or have logical flaws in the argument. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. This topic requires candidates to find the argument's strengths and weaknesses or the logical flaw in the argument. The GMAT CR section contains 10 -13 GMAT critical reasoning questions out of 36 GMAT verbal questions.
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