Which statement best defines body weight?

The statement that body weight is defined as the total weight of fat and lean body mass is comprehensive and captures the essence of what body weight entails. Body weight is not limited to just fat or just muscle; it encompasses all components that contribute to a person's weight, including body fat, muscle tissue, bones, water, and organ weights. This holistic understanding of body weight is important in health and wellness discussions, as both fat and lean mass play significant roles in health outcomes and fitness levels.

The other options focus on narrower aspects of body weight. For instance, emphasizing only the weight of bones and organs fails to account for essential components such as muscle mass and fat. The concept of weight-density may refer to how weight is distributed in the body but does not define body weight itself. Lastly, the height-to-weight ratio is useful for assessing whether a person is within a healthy weight range but does not provide a complete picture of what body weight comprises. Understanding body weight as the total of fat and lean mass is crucial for assessing health accurately and promotes a more balanced view of body composition.