Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which answer best identifies the role of calories in the body?

1. Repair tissues

2. Fuel the body

3. Build muscle

4. Store fat

The correct answer is: Fuel the body

Calories primarily serve as a source of energy or fuel for the body. The body requires energy to perform all its daily functions, from basic metabolic processes like breathing and digestion to physical activities such as walking and exercising. When we consume food, our bodies convert the calories in that food into energy, which powers everything we do. While calories can also contribute to other functions in the body, such as tissue repair, muscle building, and fat storage, these processes depend on the presence of calories as fuel. Without adequate calorie intake, the body would not have the necessary energy to support these functions effectively. Thus, recognizing that the main role of calories is to fuel the body is essential for understanding nutrition and maintaining energy balance.