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What is the first step in calculating the Desired Body Weight (DBW)?

  1. Calculate Lean Body Weight (LBW)

  2. Determine body fat percentage

  3. Adjust for activity level

  4. Calculate daily caloric needs

The correct answer is: Calculate Lean Body Weight (LBW)

Calculating the Desired Body Weight (DBW) begins with determining the Lean Body Weight (LBW). This step is essential because DBW aims to identify a target weight that reflects a healthy composition, which includes both lean mass and body fat. By calculating LBW first, a fitness professional can understand how much of the body weight is composed of muscle, bones, water, and other non-fat tissues, allowing for a clearer picture of what constitutes a healthy weight for the individual. Once the LBW is established, the next steps would typically involve determining the person's body fat percentage to find the total weight goal that includes an appropriate level of body fat. This detail ensures that the final goal aligns not just with weight but with health and fitness objectives. Adjusting for activity level and calculating daily caloric needs may come later in the planning process to tailor nutrition and exercise strategies for reaching the desired weight safely and effectively.