What is an essential factor in weight maintenance?

Balancing caloric intake with caloric expenditure is essential for weight maintenance because it acknowledges the fundamental principle of energy balance. To maintain a stable weight, the number of calories consumed through food and drinks needs to be roughly equal to the number of calories burned through metabolic processes and physical activity.

When caloric intake exceeds expenditure, the surplus is stored as fat, leading to weight gain. Conversely, if caloric expenditure surpasses intake, it can result in weight loss. Therefore, understanding and maintaining this balance is crucial for preventing fluctuations in weight and achieving long-term weight maintenance.

In contrast, high protein intake can support muscle mass and satiety but is not a standalone solution for weight maintenance. Meal skipping might lead to overeating later and disrupt metabolism, while avoiding all carbohydrates can create nutritional imbalances and is not necessary for most individuals since carbohydrates are a key energy source.