What term describes John's condition after gaining several pounds of fat?

The term that accurately describes John's condition after gaining several pounds of fat is "positive energy balance." This occurs when the number of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories expended through metabolic processes and physical activity. In a state of positive energy balance, the surplus calories contribute to weight gain, specifically in the form of fat if the person is consuming excess calories over time.

Positive energy balance is fundamental to understanding weight gain in the context of energy dynamics in the body. When an individual consistently takes in more energy than they burn, it leads to an accumulation of fat stores, which is exactly what is happening in John's case.

In contrast, the concept of negative energy balance refers to a situation where the body is burning more calories than it consumes, often leading to weight loss. Stable weight indicates that calorie intake and expenditure are balanced, resulting in no significant changes in body weight. Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive body fat but is typically diagnosed based on specific criteria, including body mass index (BMI), rather than simply gaining a few pounds of fat. Thus, positive energy balance is the most accurate term to describe the situation of weight gain due to excess caloric intake.