Nutrition | Portage Learning | Q & A 2026
Edition
1. Which of the following best defines energy balance?
A) The state where calorie intake is less than calorie expenditure
B) The state where calorie intake equals calorie expenditure
C) The state where calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure
D) The state where calorie intake is unrelated to calorie expenditure
Correct Answer: The state where calorie intake equals calorie expenditure
Rationale: Energy balance is defined as the state in which energy intake (calories consumed) is
equivalent to energy expenditure (calories burned). This balance maintains body weight. Positive energy
balance, where intake exceeds expenditure, leads to weight gain, while negative energy balance leads to
weight loss.
2. What is the term for the condition that occurs when more calories are consumed than expended?
A) Negative energy balance
B) Energy equilibrium
C) Positive energy balance
D) Metabolic balance
Correct Answer: Positive energy balance
Rationale: Positive energy balance occurs when calorie intake exceeds energy expenditure, resulting in
weight gain. This is common during periods of growth, pregnancy, or when recovering from illness.
3. In which of the following situations would positive energy balance be necessary?
A) During weight loss
,B) During illness or trauma
C) During pregnancy and childhood growth
D) During starvation
Correct Answer: During pregnancy and childhood growth
Rationale: Positive energy balance is necessary during periods of growth, such as pregnancy, infancy,
childhood, and adolescence, as well as during recovery from illness. It provides the extra energy needed
for tissue building and development.
4. A researcher is studying a patient who is losing weight unintentionally. This patient is most likely in a
state of:
A) Positive energy balance
B) Negative energy balance
C) Energy equilibrium
D) Metabolic storage
Correct Answer: Negative energy balance
Rationale: Negative energy balance occurs when fewer calories are consumed than expended, leading to
weight loss. This can happen during illness, trauma, or deliberate calorie restriction.
5. Which term refers to the external influences, such as family and media, that shape how a person
views their own body?
A) Body composition
B) Body image
C) Self-esteem
D) Body mass index
Correct Answer: Body image
, Rationale: Body image is defined as how you see yourself. It is shaped by outside influences including
family, genetics, peers, media, and clothing designers. Body image can significantly impact eating
behaviors and nutritional health.
6. What is the primary component of total daily energy expenditure?
A) Physical activity
B) Thermic effect of food
C) Basal metabolism
D) Adaptive thermogenesis
Correct Answer: Basal metabolism
Rationale: Basal metabolism, also known as basal metabolic rate (BMR), accounts for approximately 60-
70% of total daily energy expenditure. It represents the energy required to maintain basic life functions
such as breathing, circulation, and cell maintenance.
7. Which of the following factors does NOT influence basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
A) Age and gender
B) Lean body mass
C) Body temperature
D) Daily caloric intake
Correct Answer: Daily caloric intake
Rationale: BMR is influenced by factors such as gender, lean body mass, body size, age, temperature,
nervous system activity, caffeine, smoking, pregnancy, and diet. Daily caloric intake does not directly
determine BMR; rather, BMR is a component of energy expenditure.
8. What is the name of the instrument used to measure body fat by emitting a small dose of radiation?
A) Calipers