What is the relationship between caloric intake and physical activity?

• A. Caloric intake is independent of activity
• B. Caloric intake always stays the same regardless of activity
• C. Higher physical activity reduces caloric needs
• D. Higher physical activity means more calories are used which is why more caloric intake is necessary

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is energy balance: calories consumed versus calories burned. When you increase physical activity, your body uses more energy to fuel those movements. To maintain your energy levels, support performance, and keep body functions fueled, you naturally need more calories to replace what you’ve spent. If caloric intake doesn’t rise with activity, you run an energy deficit, which can lead to weight loss and fatigue; if intake exceeds expenditure, weight gain can occur. So, higher activity means more calories are needed to meet those demands.