SPEC POINT 1.11

Question 1

What is an Energy Budget?

Answer 1

The amount of energy taken in by an organism minus the amount of energy the organism transfers during life processes

Question 2

What is the equation for an energy budget?

Answer 2

energy input - energy output = energy budget

Question 3

Explain the concepts of Energy intake and expenditure (the use of energy):

Answer 3

1. Energy is gained in the form of dietary carbohydrates, fats and proteins
2. When these molecules are digested, absorbed and assimilated, their stored chemical energy is added to the body
3. These stored molecules are broken down in processes such as respiration, where their energy is used, for example in muscle contraction
4. Energy expenditure is connected to BMR

Question 4

Why should energy budgets be balanced?

Answer 4

If energy intake is higher than the energy output excess energy will be converted into fats by the body so the person will gain weight. Excessive weight gain can lead to obesity.
If energy intake is less than energy output the body will need to take energy from elsewhere and fat reserves will be converted into energy, the person will lose weight