How does exercise contribute to weight management?

• A. It only improves cardiovascular health
• B. It helps burn calories and build muscle
• C. It leads to increased fat storage
• D. It reduces muscle mass

Answer: (B)

Exercise plays a crucial role in weight management through its ability to help burn calories and build muscle. Engaging in physical activity increases the number of calories your body uses, which is essential for creating a caloric deficit—a fundamental aspect of losing weight. When you burn more calories than you consume, your body begins to utilize stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss.

Moreover, exercise contributes to muscle building, which is significant for weight management because muscle tissue burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue. This means that a higher muscle mass can lead to an increased resting metabolic rate, allowing individuals to maintain a healthier weight more easily and potentially prevent weight gain over time. Therefore, incorporating regular exercise into a weight management strategy not only aids in calorie burning but also promotes a healthier body composition by increasing lean muscle mass.