Energy balance equation

      -          Caloric intake: calories we intake, energy in.

-          Caloric expenditure: calories that we burn during the day.

Energy balance equation = Caloric intake – Caloric expenditure

a)      NEUTRAL ENERGY BALANCE: When the energy intake is equal to the energy expenditure, our bodies’ energy needs are met and our body weight does not change.

b)      NEGATIVE ENERGY BALANCE: If we take in fewer calories than we burn off through activity we will lose weight.

c)       POSITIVE ENERGY BALANCE:  if we take in more food than we burn off, we will gain weight.