Caloric surplus refers to a dietary state where caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure. This excess energy is stored as body fat, leading to weight gain over time. The caloric surplus can arise from consuming more food than the body burns, often resulting from increased caloric-dense foods or decreased physical activity. Understanding this relationship helps individuals manage weight effectively, whether aiming for gain or loss. Thus, a controlled caloric surplus can be leveraged for muscle growth while maintaining health.