What does "caloric surplus" mean?

"Caloric surplus" refers specifically to the situation in which a person consumes more calories than their body expends through metabolic processes and physical activity. When in a caloric surplus, the body has extra energy available, which can lead to weight gain over time as the surplus calories are stored as fat or used to build muscle. This is particularly relevant for individuals looking to gain weight, whether for muscle growth or to increase overall body mass.

In contrast, the other options describe different scenarios related to caloric intake and expenditure. Consuming fewer calories than expended results in a caloric deficit, which is often aimed at weight loss. Maintaining a balanced calorie intake means the number of calories consumed matches the number expended, hence no significant weight change occurs. Eating only nutrient-dense foods does not directly address the quantity of calories consumed in relation to expenditure, and thus does not define a caloric surplus.