In order to manage your weight, it is important to understand overall energy balance. Your weight is determined by the amount of energy you take in (calories from foods and drinks you consume) and the energy you burn (calories burned from movement and basic body functions).

If you are currently:

Maintaining weight: Calories IN are the same as Calories OUT.
Gaining weight: Calories IN are higher than Calories OUT.
Losing weight: Calories IN are less than Calories OUT.

To read the rest of this month's column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/819/4205/Understanding~Weight~Loss