Tag: Calories in vs calories out

According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or stored. This fundamental principle underpins the concept of energy balance, raising the question: does a neutral energy balance mean you expend the same amount of calories that you take in?

According to the National Institutes of Health, when energy expenditure exceeds energy intake, the resulting negative energy balance leads to weight loss. This principle highlights the fundamental difference between caloric intake—the energy we consume—and caloric expenditure—the energy we burn through daily activities and bodily functions.

According to a 2017 Global Burden of Disease study, poor diet is a leading risk factor for death, surpassing other risks like physical inactivity. This statistic offers a stark reality check for anyone wondering, "Can I eat whatever I want as long as I exercise?". While a compelling idea, the belief that exercise can negate a poor diet is a dangerous misconception that ignores the fundamental relationship between food and overall health.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a person's energy balance is the fundamental relationship between the calories consumed through food and drinks and the calories burned through physical activity. Understanding which of the following defines energy balance is therefore a critical component of managing your body weight and long-term health.

According to the World Health Organization, energy intake (calories) should be in balance with energy expenditure to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Counting calories is a powerful tool for achieving this balance, offering insight and control over your dietary habits for better health and weight management.

According to a study published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, weight loss is more strongly associated with dietary changes than with exercise. This critical fact addresses the popular belief: can you eat whatever you want if you're active? The short answer is no, and understanding why is key to achieving true health.

According to nutrition experts, a healthy lifestyle is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise, dispelling the myth that constant physical activity can completely negate poor eating habits. This guide explores why you can't eat whatever you want if you workout everyday and the crucial relationship between diet and fitness.

According to a 2025 BBC Science Focus article, most people in the Western world already consume more protein than they need. This overconsumption leads many to wonder: can you get fat off of too much protein? The answer is nuanced, but the core principle remains consistent across all macronutrients: consuming more calories than your body burns, regardless of the source, leads to weight gain and potential fat storage.

According to the National Cancer Institute, energy balance occurs when the number of calories eaten equals the number of calories used by the body. Maintaining a neutral energy balance is the ideal way for most people to maintain a stable and healthy body weight.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Food Balance Sheets are compiled for over 180 countries to provide a comprehensive picture of national food supplies. However, on a personal level, the 'balance sheet of food' is a powerful metaphor for understanding how the calories and nutrients consumed stack up against the body's energy needs and expenditures.