The concept of energy balance is a fundamental construct of metabolism and nutrition. It is underlain by the perception that change in body weight is as a result of an imbalance between the energy content of food consumed and the energy expended towards the maintenance of essential body functions and the performance of a physical activity (Shook et al., 2018) . The energy balance framework is, therefore, an important tool in the regulation and management of body weight. It can thus be used to prevent conditions associated with excessive weight including insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (Shook et al., 2018) . The main limitation of the energy balance equation as pointed out by researchers is that it is static and is thus only applicable to weight stable individuals (Thompson & Manore, 2018) . The equation does not take into account the various factors that affect energy intake and expenditure. Besides, it cannot be used to elucidate why people lose and gain weight differently (Thompson & Manore, 2018) .
While the concept of energy balance can be used to explain body weight changes, it is important to acknowledge the effect of other factors on the weight of an individual. Genetic factors influence body shape, height, weight, and metabolic rate. The FTO gene, for instance, has been shown to prompt weight gain by increasing feelings of hunger to prompt a surge in feeding (Thompson & Manore, 2018) . The thrifty gene hypothesis, on the other hand, holds that certain persons have a certain gene that prevents them from expending energy even when at rest. Another hypothesis, the protein leverage hypothesis, suggests that people will prioritize protein consumption at the expense of other dietary components until all their needs have been met. According to Speakman’s drifty gene hypothesis, the distribution of obesity is as a result of genetic drift in the genes that code for the system that regulates metabolic processes. Additionally, the genes control the upper limit for an individual’s fatness (Thompson & Manore, 2018) .
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Metabolic factors have also been associated with the determination of body weight. Some individuals have a relatively lower basal metabolic rate while others have low levels of spontaneous physical activity. Hypothyroidism, medications such as corticosteroids and antidepressants, low sympathetic nervous activity, and low-fat expenditure have also been established to influence weight loss and weight gain. It is also important to recognize the sociocultural facts that influence the type and amount of food that one eats as well as their engagement in physical activity (Thompson & Manore, 2018) . Thus, for an individual who wants to lose weight, it would be important to set realistic weight loss goals. The person should also eat small portions of nutrient-dense foods and incorporate regular physical activity in his or her daily routine.
References
Shook, R. P., Hand, G. A., O’Connor, D. P., Thomas, D. M., Hurley, T. G., Hébert, J. R., … Blair, S. N. (2018). Energy Intake Derived from an Energy Balance Equation, Validated Activity Monitors, and Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry Can Provide Acceptable Caloric Intake Data among Young Adults. The Journal of Nutrition , 148 (3), 490–496. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxx029
Thompson, J., & Manore, M. (2018). Nutrition : An Applied Approach . New York, NY: Pearson.
