What defines an underweight individual?

An underweight individual is generally characterized by having a body weight that is significantly less than what is considered healthy for their height and age. This usually corresponds to specific percentage ranges or body mass index (BMI) measurements. In this context, identifying underweight status often involves assessing body weight relative to desired or ideal weight ranges.

The option indicating that an underweight individual has a body weight that is 10-15 percent less than the desired weight is correct because this range reflects a significant deficiency in weight that can have health implications. Individuals falling within this category may face increased risks for various health issues, including malnutrition, weakened immune function, and potentially more severe health conditions over time.

Other definitions, such as percentage thresholds that are less than 10 percent or BMI ranges that do not accurately reflect the risks associated with being underweight, may not fully capture the clinical significance of being underweight. Keeping in mind that BMI is also a common metric used for defining weight categories, the other options provided do not encapsulate the appropriate assessment criteria necessary for identifying an underweight individual effectively.