How can one achieve a state of energy balance?

Achieving a state of energy balance is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Energy balance occurs when the number of calories consumed through food and beverages matches the number of calories the body expends through basic metabolic processes and physical activity.

When calorie intake and expenditure are equal, the body is able to maintain its current weight, as neither excess energy is stored as fat nor energy deficits are created that would lead to weight loss. This balance is crucial for sustaining energy levels, ensuring proper metabolic function, and avoiding the potential health issues associated with either excessive weight gain or weight loss.

Increasing physical activity without adjusting calorie intake or reducing calorie intake without incorporating exercise can both lead to imbalances that may not be sustainable long term. Additionally, regularly skipping meals is not a healthy strategy and can lead to fluctuations in energy levels and potential overeating later, complicating the energy balance equation.

Therefore, the correct strategy involves matching calorie intake with calorie expenditure to achieve and maintain a state of energy balance.