CSSD Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The process of calculating target weight involves determining how much lean mass one has and then adjusting for the desired body fat percentage. When using the formula of fat-free mass divided by (1 - % desired body fat), the intention is to find out how much total weight is needed to achieve a specific body composition.

Fat-free mass refers to everything in the body except fat, including muscles, bones, water, and organs. By dividing this mass by (1 - % desired body fat), you can accurately estimate your target weight based on how much of that weight will be fat and how much will be lean mass. This formula is crucial for individuals aiming to lose fat while maintaining muscle, as it provides a clear target based on body composition rather than merely weight.

Other calculations, while they may involve some elements of weight management or estimation, do not yield an accurate target weight in this context. For instance, simply adding a percentage to current total body weight does not account for the composition of that weight, and multiplying current weight by a value doesn't provide the necessary specificity related to body fat. The body fat percentage measurement alone does not give a total weight, and without knowing the current fat-free mass, it isn't effective for setting a target weight related to fat loss