Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

Which factor is NOT affecting your nutritional needs?

1. Activity level

2. Age

3. Gender

4. Hereditary

The correct answer is: Hereditary

Hereditary factors typically include genetics and family history, which influence how our bodies process nutrients and our predisposition to certain health conditions. However, hereditary traits do not change over time and are not dynamic factors that can vary from day to day or even year to year. In contrast, the other factors such as activity level, age, and gender are all variables that directly influence an individual's nutritional needs. For instance, activity level impacts how many calories and what types of nutrients your body requires. A more active individual has higher energy needs compared to someone who is sedentary. Age also plays a critical role as nutritional requirements shift throughout life stages—children, teenagers, adults, and seniors each have unique dietary needs due to developmental or metabolic changes. Gender affects nutritional needs as well, with different caloric and nutrient requirements based on physiological differences. Therefore, hereditary factors remain constant and do not directly influence immediate or changing nutritional needs in the same way that the other factors do.