Which statement is NOT listed as a benefit of exercise?

• A. Increased bone loss
• B. Increased triglyceride breakdown/gastric motility/body heat production/appetite/intestinal tone, weight control
• C. Decreased work of breathing
• D. Improved venous return

Answer: (A)

Regular exercise provides broad, system-wide benefits, including improved bone health, metabolic efficiency, digestion, heat production, appetite regulation, and cardiovascular-respiratory function. The statement describing increased bone loss is not a benefit because mechanical loading from physical activity stimulates bone formation and helps prevent bone loss, especially with weight-bearing activities. In contrast, other described effects align with exercise adaptations: triglyceride breakdown for energy, enhanced gastric and intestinal motility and tone, more heat produced by higher metabolic rate, potential influence on appetite and weight control, easier breathing due to stronger respiratory muscles and efficiency, and better venous return from the muscle pump.