Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is true regarding calories in the body?

1. Calories cannot be stored

2. Calories do not provide energy

3. Calories fuel the body

4. Calories are only needed for metabolism

The correct answer is: Calories fuel the body

Calories fuel the body by providing the necessary energy required for various bodily functions and activities. When we consume food, our bodies break down the calories within that food to produce energy. This energy powers everything from basic metabolic processes, such as breathing and circulation, to more intense physical activities. Understanding this is crucial for anyone in the esthetics field, as it relates to how nutrition can impact skin health and overall wellness. The other options do not accurately reflect the role of calories in the body. For example, saying that calories cannot be stored is incorrect as the body can store excess calories as fat for later use. Similarly, the claim that calories do not provide energy contradicts the fundamental principle of nutrition, where calories are defined as units of energy. Lastly, while calories are certainly needed for metabolism, they serve a much broader purpose beyond just metabolic functions, such as fueling muscle movement and maintaining body temperature. Thus, option C is the most comprehensive and accurate statement regarding the role of calories in the body.