Energy Balance: Gaining, Losing, and Maintaining Weight

Questions and Answers

What is the state of energy balance when calorie intake equals calorie output?

Energy equilibrium or balanced state

What is the critical factor in controlling body weight, according to Figure 10.12?

Matching calorie intake to calorie output over the long term

What happens when calorie intake is lower than calorie output?

Negative energy balance

What is the average weight gain of freshmen in college, according to scientific studies?

7.5 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors that contribute to weight gain in freshmen, besides stress?

Eating too much unhealthy food, drinking too much alcohol, and being less physically active than before entering college Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of being in a negative energy state?

Weight loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a small positive energy balance over time?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when calorie intake is greater than calorie output?

Positive energy balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the myth surrounding weight gain in freshmen, and what is the reality?

The myth is the 'freshman 15', but the reality is an average weight gain of 7.5 pounds Signup and view all the answers

Why is positive energy balance necessary during pregnancy?

To add new tissues that support the pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What happens to excess dietary carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol in a positive energy balance state?

Converted to fat and stored in adipose cells Signup and view all the answers

During which periods of growth does positive energy balance occur?

Fetal development, infancy, childhood, and adolescence Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of being in a positive energy state over time?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Balance

Energy equilibrium is when calorie intake equals calorie output for basal metabolism, physical activity, and TEF, resulting in stable weight over time.
Balanced energy state is critical to maintaining weight, whether gaining, losing, or staying the same.

States of Energy Balance

Negative Energy Balance

Occurs when calorie intake is lower than calorie output.
Body metabolizes stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss.
Over time, adipose tissue shrinks, and clothes become loose.

Positive Energy Balance

Occurs when calorie intake from macronutrients and alcohol is greater than calorie output.
Body stores excess dietary fat in adipose cells, resulting in weight gain.
Over time, adipose tissue increases, and clothes become tight.
Positive energy balance is necessary for pregnant women, fetal development, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Importance of Energy Balance

Maintenance of energy balance is critical for controlling body weight.
Long-term energy balance is achieved by matching calorie intake to calorie output.
Even small positive energy balance can cause weight to increase over time, regardless of age.

Additional Facts

The "freshman 15" is a myth; freshmen students gain an average of 7.5 pounds due to factors like stress, unhealthy eating, excess alcohol, and reduced physical activity.