Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 36 to 42.

Obesity is associated with a shorter lifespan and with an increased risk of many chronic diseases. The good news is that just being somewhat overweight does not reduce your longevity, and for those over the age of 65, it is actually better to be on the high side of normal than the low side.

A 2018 study (part of the Framingham heart study) looked at body mass index and mortality over a period of 24 years. For those who were obese, people that had a body mass index of 30 to 35 had a 27% increase in mortality, and those who had a body mass index of 35 to 40 had a 93% increase.

What weight is ideal? Among those who were overweight but not obese (had a body mass index between 25 and 30), mortality was only increased among those who also smoked. People with a body mass index on the high side of normal (e.g. 24) had the lowest mortality.

There isn't any real magic when it comes to maintaining (or getting to) a normal body mass index. Eating a healthy diet, not too much and avoiding empty calorie, and exercising daily, even if it's fun activities such as gardening, are the true "secret."

In the past, eating breakfast was stressed as necessary for optimal health. Research is now changing that thought, and intermittent fasting (going for 13 or more hours each day without eating) may have some benefits. Though the concept and research to back it up are young, intermittent fasting may help with weight loss and appears to have benefits in cancer risk reduction as well.

If you are struggling, talk with your doctor. But keep in mind that fad diets do not work, and your greatest chance of success lies in adopting long-term healthy eating patterns and engaging in regular physical activity for life.

(Adapted from https://www.verywellhealth.com/)

Which of the following best serves as the title for the article?

The word “optimal” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to