Body Measurements MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is designed for Class IX-X students studying Health and Physical Education (HPE) in the ‘Health & Activity Record’ unit. Test your knowledge on crucial body measurements like Height, Weight, Hip Circumference, and Waist Circumference. Complete the quiz, then submit your answers to see your score and download a detailed PDF review.
Understanding Body Measurements in Health and Physical Education
Body measurements are fundamental tools in assessing an individual’s physical health, growth, and development. In Health and Physical Education (HPE), understanding these measurements helps students monitor their own health, set fitness goals, and appreciate the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Key measurements include height, weight, hip circumference, and waist circumference, each offering unique insights into body composition and health risks.
Height: A Measure of Growth and Stature
Height is a basic anthropometric measurement indicating vertical growth. It’s an important indicator of nutritional status during childhood and adolescence. While genetics play a significant role, factors like diet and overall health can influence a person’s final height.
- Importance: Monitors growth patterns, helps calculate BMI, and is used in various sports for classification.
- Measurement Method: Typically measured using a stadiometer, ensuring the individual stands straight, barefoot, with heels, buttocks, and shoulders against the wall.
Weight: Overall Body Mass
Weight is a measure of an individual’s total body mass. It is a critical component in assessing body composition, especially when combined with height to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Importance: Indicates overall nutritional status, helps identify underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obesity.
- Measurement Method: Measured using a calibrated scale, with the person standing still, preferably in minimal clothing, and barefoot.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a simple calculation using a person’s height and weight. It is often used as a screening tool to categorize individuals into weight status categories. The formula for BMI is:
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
| BMI Category | Range (kg/m2) |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30.0 or higher |
Note: BMI is a screening tool and does not directly measure body fat or distribution. It may not be accurate for athletes or certain body types.
Waist Circumference: Indicator of Abdominal Fat
Waist circumference measures the girth of the abdomen. It is a more direct indicator of abdominal (visceral) fat, which is strongly linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic syndromes, even in individuals with a normal BMI.
- Importance: Better predictor of health risks than BMI alone for certain conditions.
- Measurement Method: Measured around the smallest part of the waist, usually just above the navel, after exhaling normally.
Hip Circumference: A Complementary Measurement
Hip circumference measures the widest part of the buttocks and hips. When used in conjunction with waist circumference, it forms the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), which further helps assess body fat distribution.
- Importance: Used to calculate WHR, which provides insight into body shape (apple vs. pear) and associated health risks.
- Measurement Method: Measured around the widest part of the hips and buttocks.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)
WHR is calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference. A higher WHR indicates more abdominal fat accumulation (apple shape), while a lower WHR suggests fat distribution around the hips (pear shape).
WHR = Waist Circumference / Hip Circumference
General health risk cut-offs:
- Men: WHR > 0.90 indicates increased health risk.
- Women: WHR > 0.85 indicates increased health risk.
Quick Revision: Key Takeaways
- Height & Weight: Basic indicators for growth and overall body mass, used for BMI calculation.
- BMI: Screens for weight categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obese).
- Waist Circumference: Direct measure of harmful abdominal fat.
- Hip Circumference: Used with waist circumference to calculate WHR.
- WHR: Assesses body fat distribution and associated metabolic risks.
5 Practice Questions:
- Which body measurement is most directly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease?
- What is the formula for calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)?
- A person with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 would typically be classified as:
- To measure waist circumference correctly, where should the measuring tape be placed?
- What does a high Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) generally indicate about body fat distribution?
Content created and reviewed by the CBSE Quiz Editorial Team based on the latest NCERT textbooks and CBSE syllabus. Our goal is to help students practice concepts clearly, confidently, and exam-ready through well-structured MCQs and revision content.