Why is physical activity important for weight management?

Physical activity plays a crucial role in weight management primarily because it burns calories and builds muscle. Engaging in regular exercise increases the overall energy expenditure of the body, which means that the number of calories burned is higher than in a sedentary lifestyle. This calorie deficit is essential for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.

Additionally, physical activity helps in building muscle mass, which is metabolically active tissue. Muscle burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue, leading to an increased resting metabolic rate. Thus, incorporating strength training along with aerobic exercises can enhance weight management efforts by promoting muscle growth while simultaneously burning calories during workouts.

The other options do not accurately represent the relationship between physical activity and weight management. For example, the idea that physical activity allows for unlimited calorie intake is misleading; while exercise does increase calorie expenditure, it does not mean that one can ignore the importance of a balanced diet. Similarly, suggesting that physical activity eliminates the need for healthy eating undermines the importance of nutrition in weight management. The notion that physical activity has no effect on weight is also false, as regular physical activity is a proven factor in maintaining a healthy weight.