What does the term "caloric surplus" mean?

The term "caloric surplus" refers to a situation where an individual consumes more calories than their body expends through daily activities, exercise, and metabolic processes. When in a caloric surplus, the excess energy is typically stored in the body as fat or used to build muscle, depending on one's activity level and dietary composition. This concept is crucial for individuals looking to gain weight, whether for general health, bodybuilding, or recovery from injury, as it provides the necessary energy for the body to grow and repair tissues.

Understanding caloric surplus is key in nutrition and dietetics as it illustrates the fundamental relationship between energy intake and energy expenditure, guiding individuals in their dietary choices based on their specific health and fitness goals. In contrast, consuming fewer calories than expended would lead to weight loss, whereas maintaining a constant calorie intake or eating a balanced diet does not directly define the concept of caloric surplus as it does not necessarily indicate the balance of intake versus expenditure.