International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

What factors affect energy balance?

1. Only food intake

2. Food intake and exercise activity

3. Food intake, exercise activity, and genetic factors

4. Diet types alone

The correct answer is: Food intake, exercise activity, and genetic factors

Energy balance is determined by the relationship between energy intake and energy expenditure. The correct answer incorporates multiple factors that significantly influence this balance. Food intake is a critical component; it refers to the calories consumed through diet. Exercise activity also plays a vital role as it represents the calories burned through physical activity and metabolic processes. Furthermore, genetic factors are essential in understanding energy balance. Genetics can influence how an individual metabolizes food, their propensity to gain or lose weight, and their overall metabolic rate. For instance, some people may have a genetic predisposition to store fat more easily, while others may have higher energy expenditure rates due to their genetic makeup. This comprehensive approach underscores that energy balance is not solely affected by diet or exercise alone, but rather, it is a complex interplay of multiple influences, including genetics. This distinction is crucial for a nuanced understanding of weight management and metabolic health.