Which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning total body water?

a. Total body water in men represents a higher percent body weight than in women

b. In infants, water comprises up to 80% of body weight

c. Total body water content decreases with increasing age

The total volume of water within the body is termed total body water. The relationship between total body water (TBW) and body weight is relatively consistent for any given individual and depends on the amount of fat within the body. Because fat contains little water, TBW as a percentage of body weight decreases with increasing body fat. The estimated TBW in men is 60% of body weight, whereas in women, who typically have more adipose tissue, the average TBW is 50% of body weight. The percentage of body weight accounted for by water also varies with age. In infants, water comprises about 80% of body weight. Throughout adult life, a gradual decrease occurs in TBW content because of the amount of fat within the body usually increases with age. In obese patients, estimates of TBW should be decreased by 10% to 20% whereas in lean patients, estimates should be increased by about 10%. TBW is distributed within the intra and extracellular compartments. Intracellular fluid makes up about 2/3 of the TBW, or 40% of body weight.