CSN CSN Weight Management & Body Composition

Question 1

Which method is considered the gold standard for measuring body composition in a clinical or research setting?

Accepted Answer

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

Answer

DEXA is widely regarded as the gold standard for body composition assessment due to its ability to differentiate bone mineral, fat mass, and lean soft tissue.

Question 2

What is 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S)?

Accepted Answer

A syndrome where inadequate energy availability relative to exercise impairs health and performance across multiple organ systems

Answer

RED-S describes the broad health and performance consequences — including hormonal disruption, bone loss, and immune suppression — resulting from chronically low energy availability.

Question 3

What is the minimum recommended energy availability (EA) threshold to maintain normal physiological function in athletes?

Accepted Answer

30 kcal/kg fat-free mass/day

Answer

An energy availability of ≥45 kcal/kg FFM/day is considered optimal, while below 30 kcal/kg FFM/day is associated with physiological impairment.

Question 4

A sports nutritionist working with a weight-class athlete who wants to 'cut' 5 lbs in 7 days should primarily advise:

Accepted Answer

A gradual approach focusing on reducing water retention through controlled carbohydrate and sodium reduction, with rehydration plan post-weigh-in

Answer

A controlled reduction in carbohydrate and sodium intake to shed water weight, combined with a robust post-weigh-in rehydration and refueling protocol, is the safest and most evidence-based rapid weight management strategy.

Question 5

Which equation is most commonly used by CSN practitioners to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR)?

Accepted Answer

Cunningham equation (lean mass-based)

Answer

The Cunningham equation, which uses fat-free mass as its primary input, is most accurate for athletes because it accounts for their higher proportion of metabolically active tissue.

CSN - Certified Sports Nutritionist Practice Test

CSN - Certified Sports Nutritionist Practice Test

CSN CSN Weight Management & Body Composition