International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Fitness Nutrition Practice Test 2025 - Free Fitness Nutrition Practice Questions and Study Guide

Positive energy balance occurs when the number of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories expended. This state is often associated with muscle gain, as it provides the body with the surplus necessary to fuel the repair and growth of lean muscle tissue. When an individual is in a positive energy balance, particularly when combined with appropriate strength training, it can lead to an increase in muscle mass and overall body composition improvements.

This balance allows the body to have sufficient energy to allocate towards building new tissues, which is especially important for athletes or individuals aiming to increase their muscle mass. It's important to note that while positive energy balance is beneficial for gaining muscle, the quality of the calories consumed and the overall nutrient profile of the diet are crucial factors in achieving favorable body composition changes.

The other options relate to different energy balances. Negative energy balance is linked to weight loss and fat loss, which may lead to a decrease in lean mass if not managed correctly. Neutral energy balance maintains weight but may not promote changes in body composition. Variable energy balance can lead to inconsistent results based on fluctuating intake and expenditure levels, which may not yield stable changes. Therefore, positive energy balance is the most directly associated with favorable changes in body composition.