A person who loses four pounds of body protein could expect to lose how many pounds of associated water?

When considering the loss of body protein and its association with water, it's essential to understand the relationship between protein and water in the body. Proteins in the body are significant for various bodily functions and have a substantial water component associated with them. For each gram of protein lost, there is typically a corresponding loss of water, as water is crucial for maintaining the protein structure and function.

In practical terms, the loss of four pounds of body protein would lead to an expectation of losing a certain amount of water. The reasoning is based on estimates that for every pound of body protein lost, approximately 2 to 4 pounds of water are lost alongside it. This is due to the fact that protein turnover and metabolism require water, so when protein is lost, the body also sheds water to maintain balance.

Thus, if a person loses four pounds of body protein, it is reasonable to calculate that the associated water loss would fall within the range of 2 to 4 pounds, aligning perfectly with the correct choice. This demonstrates the physiological link between protein and water in the body, outlining how their losses are interconnected.