Energinbalansen

Energinbalansen refers to the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure in a biological system. In humans, this concept is central to understanding weight management. Energy intake primarily comes from the consumption of food and beverages, which provide calories. Energy expenditure, on the other hand, is the total amount of energy the body uses to perform its functions. This expenditure is divided into several components. The resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for the largest portion, representing the energy needed to maintain basic bodily functions at rest, such as breathing and circulation. Physical activity, including both planned exercise and spontaneous movements like fidgeting, contributes significantly to energy expenditure. The thermic effect of food (TEF) is another component, representing the energy used to digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients from food. When energy intake consistently exceeds energy expenditure, the body stores the excess energy, typically as fat, leading to weight gain. Conversely, if energy expenditure is greater than intake, the body draws upon stored energy, resulting in weight loss. Maintaining a stable weight is generally associated with a state where energy intake and energy expenditure are roughly equal over time. Factors influencing an individual's energy balance include diet composition, physical activity levels, genetics, age, and hormonal status.