What is the calorie requirement to gain one pound of body weight?

To gain one pound of body weight, it is generally accepted that an individual needs to consume approximately 3,500 excess calories. This figure is based on the caloric equivalent of body fat, indicating that a surplus of this amount will lead to weight gain. The body stores additional calories as fat when they exceed the number of calories burned through daily activities and metabolic processes. Thus, maintaining a consistent surplus of 3,500 calories above one’s baseline needs over time can result in a gain of one pound of body weight. This established guideline is commonly used in nutrition and fitness planning for those looking to gain weight, such as bodybuilders or individuals trying to increase muscle mass.