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Weight gain is characterized as anabolic because it involves the building up of body tissues, such as muscle and fat, as a result of a positive energy balance. When an individual consumes more calories than the body expends, the surplus energy is utilized to create new cellular structures and increase mass. This constructive process is the essence of an anabolic state.
On the other hand, weight loss is considered catabolic because it involves the breakdown of body tissues. When the body is in a negative energy balance – burning more calories than are consumed – it starts to utilize stored energy, often by breaking down fat and sometimes muscle for fuel. This breakdown signifies a catabolic state, where the body is busy deconstructing its own tissues to meet energy needs.
Therefore, the statement accurately reflects that weight gain promotes an anabolic process, whereas weight loss entails a catabolic process.