A positive balance is a result of energy intake being higher than what is consumed in external work and other bodily means of energy expenditure.
The main preventable causes are:
*Overeating, resulting in increased energy intake
*Sedentary lifestyle, resulting in decreased energy expenditure through external work
A positive balance results in energy being stored as fat and/or muscle, causing weight gain. In time, overweight and obesity may develop, with resultant complications.