Research

Energy balance

High energy flux (matching high caloric intake with high expenditure via physical activity) is superior to low energy flux for maintaining energy balance and preventing obesity, as it allows for better appetite regulation and avoids the metabolic adaptations associated with caloric restriction.

To manage your weight effectively, focus on increasing your 'energy flux' rather than just restricting calories. This means combining a healthy diet with regular physical activity. High energy flux allows your body to better regulate appetite and metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight compared to sedentary individuals who rely solely on severe dietary restriction.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Mayer et al postulated that individuals with a high rate of energy flow through the body (ie, high intake matched by high expenditure) were better able to maintain energy balance than those with a low rate of energy expenditure... He referred to a moderate and high energy flux as the regulated zone where energy intake was well matched to level of energy expenditure (eg, better appetite control).
Steven N. Blair et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2015

Why this rating

The paper is an editorial citing observational studies and theoretical models (Mayer, Blundell) rather than presenting new primary RCT data.

Source

Energy balance: a crucial issue for exercise and sports medicine

Steven N. Blair et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2015

DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094592

narrative_reviewCited 15×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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