What is the principle of energy balance in weight control?

The principle of energy balance refers to the relationship between the calories consumed through food and beverages and the calories expended through physical activity and bodily functions. For weight maintenance, it is essential that the total number of calories consumed matches the total number of calories expended. This balance allows the body to maintain a stable weight, as there is no surplus or deficit of energy.

When calories consumed equal calories expended, the body neither gains nor loses weight, enabling an individual to maintain their current weight. This concept is foundational in understanding not only how to maintain a healthy weight but also how to approach weight loss or gain by modifying either caloric intake or caloric expenditure.

Other statements address weight loss and weight gain but do not accurately represent the principle of energy balance for weight maintenance. Weight loss occurs when calories expended surpass calories consumed, whereas weight gain entails consuming more calories than are used. The statement suggesting that weight is unaffected by the balance of calories is not accurate, as energy balance directly influences weight status.