Regression Analysis and the Basal Metabolic Index (BMI) (Essay Sample)

Regression Analysis and BMI
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Regression Analysis and BMI
In the event of an application of statistical tools to medical concerns, it is up to the researcher to determine the dependent and independent variables. Consider an instance where the Basal Metabolic Index (BMI) is among the variables under study. The BMI could be an independent or a dependent variable based on the researcher’s objective. A research objective could be to ascertain the relationship between total cholesterol levels and BMI. Here, BMI is the independent variable while total cholesterol will be the dependent variable.
In this scenario, the simple regression model would be applicable. The model offers insights into the relationship existing between the independent variable and the dependent variable: the association between BMI and total cholesterol (Boston University, n.d.). However, it is also possible for the BMI to become a dependent variable which the researcher would expect to change with respect to various independent variables. For instance, the independent variable could be physical activity level so that the respondents’ BMI would vary based on the frequency, duration, and intensity of their physical activity (Allafi et al., 2013, p. 8). Exercise is among the efficient means of lowering one’s BMI. For a person who is not overweight, moderate-intensity physical activity would be adequate to reduce their BMI, which would not be the case for an obese individual. Other