Body Weight Regulation

Body weight regulation involves a balance between energy intake (food) and energy expenditure (basal metabolism, activity, digestion). When you eat more calories than you burn, the excess is stored as fat, leading to weight gain. Conversely, consuming fewer calories than you burn causes the body to use stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. Hormones like insulin and leptin help regulate appetite, metabolism, and fat storage by signaling hunger and fullness. This complex system maintains weight over time, but factors like genetics, environment, and behavior can influence its effectiveness.