Yulia is twenty-four years old. She has been fit and lean her whole life and recently has begun to put on an unhealthy amount of weight. She goes to her doctor because she is not eating any differently than she has before, yet she is now heavier. What will Yulia’s doctor most likely tell her?

During childhood and the teen years, the body needs energy for growth as well as daily activities. Once growth slows or stops in adulthood, calorie needs are generally lower, so eating the same amount as before can lead to weight gain. The best choice is that adults need fewer calories than kids and teens, so she may need to eat less.

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