Final answer:
The statement is true; consuming a high carbohydrate meal 4 hours before an event, known as carbohydrate loading, helps athletes to maximize glycogen storage in their muscles and liver, providing an energy reserve for endurance activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the purpose of having a high carbohydrate meal 4 hours prior to an event is to create a super-compensation of glycogen, also known as carbohydrate loading, to support energy needs is true. This strategy is particularly used by athletes who engage in endurance activities, such as marathons. Through the consumption of carbohydrates, the body converts excess glucose into glycogen which is stored in the liver and muscle tissues. Glycogen acts as a critical energy reserve that can be quickly mobilized during intense and prolonged physical activity to meet the body's glucose needs and to manufacture ATP, the molecule the body uses for energy.
Carbohydrates are pivotal for athletes since they are broken down into glucose, which provides energy in the form of ATP through metabolic pathways. This energy is essential for maintaining cellular function during high endurance activities. Ultimately, carb loading enables athletes to maximize their glycogen storage, ensuring they have sufficient energy reserves to sustain their performance.