<21{3[2(08)44]}> Surveys show that people who use calorie information to decide which foods to eat consume on average 100 calories less than they would if they didn’t check calorie information before eating. Strangely though, people who use calorie information in this way weigh more on average than people who don’t check calorie information before eating.

Which one of the following, if true, best explains the surprising statistic stated above? (Points : 1)
There are fewer people who check calorie information before eating than people who don’t check calorie information before eating.
People who usually check calorie information before eating consume more calories if they stop checking.
Some people who check calorie information before eating don’t consume any fewer calories than they would if they didn’t check.
People with a weight problem are most likely to check calorie information before eating.

The correct answer is: People with a weight problem are most likely to check calorie information before eating.

This answer best explains the surprising statistic because it shows that the group of people who check calorie information before eating includes a higher percentage of people with a weight problem. This means that while these individuals may be more conscious about tracking their calorie intake, they still struggle to control their overall calorie consumption, leading to a higher average weight compared to those who don't check calorie information.

To answer this question, we need to identify the option that provides the best explanation for the surprising statistic mentioned in the question stem. Let's examine each option and see if it explains the situation:

Option 1: "There are fewer people who check calorie information before eating than people who don't check calorie information before eating."
This option does not provide a direct explanation for why people who use calorie information weigh more on average. It only suggests that there might be a difference in the number of people checking calorie information, but it does not explain the weight difference.

Option 2: "People who usually check calorie information before eating consume more calories if they stop checking."
This option suggests that people who use calorie information might consume more calories if they stop checking. This provides a possible explanation for why people who use calorie information weigh more on average. If this is the case, it would mean that their weight is influenced by the absence of checking calories.

Option 3: "Some people who check calorie information before eating don't consume any fewer calories than they would if they didn't check."
This option suggests that even though some people check calorie information, it does not lead to consuming fewer calories. However, this option does not explain why people who use calorie information weigh more on average.

Option 4: "People with a weight problem are most likely to check calorie information before eating."
This option provides a plausible explanation for the surprising statistic. If people with a weight problem are more likely to check calorie information, it would make sense that they weigh more on average. This option directly connects the use of calorie information to weight, providing an explanation for the situation.

Based on the analysis above, the option that best explains the surprising statistic is option 4: "People with a weight problem are most likely to check calorie information before eating."