The Caloric Balance Equation Whether you need to lose weight, maintain your ideal weight, or gain weight, the main message is – calories count! Weight management is all about balancing the number of calories you take in with the number your body uses or “burns off.”
A calorie is a unit of energy supplied by food and beverages. A calorie is a calorie regardless of its source. Carbohydrates, fats, sugars, and proteins all contain calories. If your body does not use calories, they are stored as fat. Caloric balance is like a scale. To remain in balance and maintain your body weight, the calories consumed must be balanced by the calories used in normal body functions, daily activities, and exercise. Caloric balance is like a scale. Calories in = food and beverages. Calories out = body functions and physical activity.
If you are… Your caloric balance status is… Maintaining your weight “in balance.” You are eating roughly the same number of calories that your body is using. Your weight will remain stable. Gaining weight “in caloric excess.” You are eating more calories than your body is using. You will store these extra calories as fat and you’ll gain weight. Losing weight “in caloric deficit.” You are eating fewer calories than you are using. Your body is pulling from its fat storage cells for energy, so your weight is decreasing.
