False. While the balance between calories consumed and calories burned is an important factor in weight management, it is not a strict requirement that they must be equal at all times.
- Weight Maintenance: To maintain weight, the number of calories consumed should roughly equal the number of calories burned over time.
- Weight Loss: If someone aims to lose weight, they need to consume fewer calories than they burn (a calorie deficit).
- Weight Gain: Conversely, if someone wants to gain weight, they would need to consume more calories than they burn (a calorie surplus).
Overall, the relationship between calorie intake and expenditure can vary based on individual goals and metabolic factors.