Answer: The energy balance equation states that the amount of energy (calories) consumed must be equal to the amount of energy used or expended in order for body weight to remain stable. If the amount of energy consumed is greater than the amount of energy used, the excess energy will be stored as body fat, leading to weight gain. If the amount of energy used is greater than the amount of energy consumed, the body will use stored body fat for energy, leading to weight loss.
The energy balance equation can be expressed as: Energy Intake (calories consumed) = Energy Expenditure (calories burned through physical activity and metabolism).
Individuals have control over two parts of the energy balance equation: energy intake (what and how much they eat) and energy expenditure (physical activity level).
To tip the energy balance equation in favor of weight loss, individuals can either decrease their energy intake (eat fewer calories) or increase their energy expenditure (burn more calories through physical activity). To tip the energy balance equation in favor of weight gain, individuals can either increase their energy intake (eat more calories) or decrease their energy expenditure (burn fewer calories through physical activity).
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