A caloric surplus occurs when a person consumes more calories than their body needs to maintain its current weight. This excess energy can come from food and beverages, and it is often measured in calories. When the body is in a caloric surplus, it stores the extra energy as fat, which can lead to weight gain over time. People may intentionally create a caloric surplus to gain weight, such as athletes or bodybuilders looking to build muscle mass. However, consistently being in a caloric surplus without proper exercise can lead to unwanted fat gain and health issues.