Why is strength training important for underweight individuals?

Strength training is particularly important for underweight individuals primarily because it helps them build muscle mass. When someone is underweight, they may have lower levels of muscle and fat, which can negatively impact their overall health, metabolism, and physical strength. Engaging in strength training exercises stimulates muscle growth through resistance, encouraging the body to utilize nutrients more effectively and promote an increase in lean body mass.

Additionally, building muscle mass can improve physical performance, support a healthier metabolism, and enhance overall body composition. This is vital for underweight individuals, as it helps them gain healthy weight through muscle rather than fat, contributing to better strength, endurance, and overall well-being.

The other options, while important in different contexts, do not directly address the specific need for underweight individuals to gain muscle mass. Improving cardiovascular endurance, enhancing flexibility, or facilitating weight loss are not as relevant in this scenario, as the primary goal is to promote healthy weight gain through muscle development.