Answer :
Final answer:
The athlete's 2-pound weight loss after exercise primarily represents fluid loss, which is due to sweating during the workout. Significant fat loss or muscle mass loss would require longer duration and different circumstances.
Explanation:
The 2-pound weight loss experienced by the athlete after exercise can most likely represent fluid loss. This is rather common in heavy exercise routines as the body sweats in an attempt to cool itself down. This expelled sweat is a mixture of water and electrolytes, which indeed weighs something, and as it leaves the body it subsequently reduces the overall body weight. However, it is important to remember this type of weight loss is temporary and will be regained once the athlete rehydrates.
In case of fat loss, it would require a longer duration and consistency in a calorie deficit diet along with exercise. As for muscle mass loss, it generally happens when the body is in extreme calorie deficit and exercises intensely without enough protein intake, over a long period of time.
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