NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What defines a positive energy balance?

1. Daily calorie intake equals calorie expenditure

2. Daily calorie intake is less than calorie expenditure

3. Daily calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure

4. Daily calorie intake is double the calorie expenditure

The correct answer is: Daily calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure

A positive energy balance occurs when the amount of calories consumed through food and drink is greater than the number of calories expended through physical activity and bodily functions. This state leads to weight gain, as excess energy may be stored as body fat. Understanding the context of the other choices highlights why they do not define a positive energy balance. When daily calorie intake equals calorie expenditure, it results in weight maintenance, which is a state of energy balance but not positive. If daily calorie intake is less than calorie expenditure, it signifies a negative energy balance, which typically leads to weight loss. While daily calorie intake being double the calorie expenditure indicates a substantial positive energy balance, it’s more specific and extreme than the general definition; thus, it may not universally define the positive energy balance concept.