Energy Balance

The science behind weight management is complex, but one of the key concepts that governs weight management is Energy Balance. Energy Balance is the phrase used to describe the difference between the number of calories a person consumes and the number of calories that same person expends (a.k.a. burns) in a given time period. There are three possible scenarios when it comes to the energy balance equation:

Calories consumed (food, drink) = Calories expended (basal metabolic rate, physical activity, thermogenic effect of food, acute illness)

Outcome: Weight remains unchanged

Calories consumed > Calories expended

Also known as Positive Energy Balance

Outcome: Weight increases

Calories consumed < Calories expended

Also known as Negative Energy Balance

Outcome: Weight decreases

Source Wikipedia