GMAT Focus EditionVerbal ReasoningHard
A new diet program promises rapid weight loss by drastically restricting carbohydrate intake. The program's founder claims that participants will not experience significant hunger because the body will efficiently burn fat for energy, leading to sustained satiety. Which of the following, if true, would cast the most serious doubt on the founder's claim about sustained satiety?
- AStudies show that drastic dietary restrictions often trigger cravings for forbidden foods in the long term.
- BMany participants report experiencing increased energy levels during the initial weeks of the program.
- CCarbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, and their absence can lead to fatigue.
- DThe program requires participants to consume a high amount of protein, which is known to promote satiety.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The program requires participants to consume a high amount of protein, which is known to promote satiety.
The founder claims that fat burning will lead to 'sustained satiety'. Option B introduces an alternative, well-known mechanism for satiety (high protein intake) that is part of the diet program. If high protein is promoting satiety, then the claim that 'efficient fat burning' is the *reason* for sustained satiety is seriously doubted, as there's another, more direct explanation for the observation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Long-term cravings are a separate issue from the immediate 'sustained satiety' claimed by the founder from fat burning.
- B. Increased energy levels don't directly address or contradict the claim about satiety from fat burning.
- C. Fatigue is a side effect, not directly related to the claim about *satiety* from fat burning.
Identifying Alternative Explanations for Effects
To cast doubt on a specific causal claim, identify another plausible cause for the observed effect that is also present or part of the scenario.
- Focus on the *specific reason* given for an effect.
- Look for other factors that could produce the same effect.
- The alternative explanation should be a known or likely cause.
Memory trick: Is it the sun, or the lamp making the room bright?