How does moderate physical activity influence energy balance?

• A. It decreases energy expenditure.
• B. It increases energy expenditure and supports weight management and metabolic health.
• C. It has no effect on energy balance.
• D. It reduces appetite.

Answer: (B)

Moderate physical activity raises energy expenditure, which shifts the energy balance toward using more calories beyond those you consume. This helps with weight management because over time you can create a negative energy balance, making it easier to lose or maintain weight. It also supports metabolic health by improving how efficiently your body uses insulin and glucose, and by positively influencing blood lipids and blood pressure. There’s often a small afterburn effect too, where energy expenditure remains elevated briefly after exercising. Appetite changes from exercise aren’t consistent for everyone, so it isn’t reliable to say that moderate activity always reduces appetite.