To maintain body weight, energy intake should be equal to energy expenditure. Which option correctly states this balance?

To maintain body weight, energy intake should be equal to energy expenditure. Which option correctly states this balance?

• A. Energy input greater than energy expenditure
• B. Energy input equals energy expenditure
• C. Energy expenditure greater than energy input
• D. Energy intake has no effect on weight

Answer: (B)

Maintaining body weight depends on balancing energy in and energy out. When the energy you take in from food and drink matches the energy you expend through resting metabolism, activity, and digestion, your energy stores stay the same and your weight remains constant. So stating that energy input equals energy expenditure correctly expresses a stable weight. If more energy is consumed than is used, the excess is stored, leading to weight gain over time. If energy expenditure exceeds intake, the body uses stored energy, resulting in weight loss. Saying intake has no effect on weight ignores how energy balance drives body mass.

Maintaining body weight depends on balancing energy in and energy out. When the energy you take in from food and drink matches the energy you expend through resting metabolism, activity, and digestion, your energy stores stay the same and your weight remains constant. So stating that energy input equals energy expenditure correctly expresses a stable weight.

If more energy is consumed than is used, the excess is stored, leading to weight gain over time. If energy expenditure exceeds intake, the body uses stored energy, resulting in weight loss. Saying intake has no effect on weight ignores how energy balance drives body mass.