5 (a) Cirrhosis is a disease caused by prolonged alcohol abuse - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1

Cirrhosis is considered a non-communicable disease because it cannot be spread from one person to another; it is typically caused by lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption or viral infections.

Exercise can cause weight loss because it increases the number of calories burned. Engaging in physical activity raises the metabolic rate, which helps the body to use stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss over time.

A gastric band helps a person lose weight by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. This promotes a feeling of fullness after consuming smaller portions, thereby reducing overall caloric intake and assisting in weight loss.

To calculate Male B's BMI, use the formula:

$BMI = \frac{72 \text{ kg}}{(1.81 \text{ m})^2}$

Performing the calculations gives:

$BMI = \frac{72}{3.2761} \approx 21.977 \rightarrow 22.0$ (to 3 significant figures).

The BMI suggests that male A is overweight; however, his waist: hip ratio shows he is not abdominally obese, indicating a healthier distribution of weight, with most mass being distributed over the body rather than concentrated in the abdomen.