ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive study aids. This quiz experience enhances your understanding of fitness concepts, exam structure, and key information you need to succeed.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the risk associated with a waist-to-hip ratio exceeding the specified thresholds for men and women?

  1. Decreased metabolism

  2. Higher risk of T2DM and cardiovascular diseases

  3. Lower exercise performance

  4. Increased risk of osteoporosis

The correct answer is: Higher risk of T2DM and cardiovascular diseases

A waist-to-hip ratio that exceeds the specified thresholds for men and women indicates an unhealthy distribution of body fat, which is a significant risk factor for serious health issues. An elevated waist-to-hip ratio is associated with an increased amount of visceral fat, which is fat stored within the abdominal cavity. This type of fat is particularly harmful because it can lead to metabolic dysfunction and increase the risk of various conditions. Specifically, individuals with a high waist-to-hip ratio are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to insulin resistance, as well as cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. These health concerns arise from the adverse impact that excess visceral fat has on hormonal regulation, inflammation levels, and overall metabolic health. In contrast, the other options do not capture the direct implications of a high waist-to-hip ratio as effectively. While decreased metabolism, lower exercise performance, and increased risk of osteoporosis can be important health considerations, they are not as closely linked to waist-to-hip ratios as the risks for T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. This makes the connection between waist-to-hip ratio and chronic metabolic syndromes particularly significant.