What is the Math Behind Fat Loss?

Question:

What's the "math" behind fat loss? I've heard about maintenance calories and caloric deficits.



Answer:

It's actually quite simple, once you get the idea.

What is the Math Behind Fat Loss?

To lose fat, you must take in fewer calories than what it takes to maintain your current bodyweight.

  • Eating below that maintenance level will create what is called a "caloric deficit". This simply means you are eating less than you are burning.
  • The next step is to add in some exercise. Exercise will increase the size of your caloric deficit without eating less food.
  • Keep up this diet and exercise induced caloric deficit and you will lose fat.

 

Here is an example of the math:

2200 calories/day maintenance level
- 500 calories/day caloric deficit
- 500 calories/day exercise
_________________  
1200 calories/day  

 

Through diet and exercise together you have created a caloric deficit of 1000 calories.

One pound of fat contains 3500 calories, therefore if you have a caloric deficit of 1000 calories a day for seven days you will burn 7000 calories and, theoretically, lose 2 pounds of fat.

A good rule of thumb to start with is to eat ten times your bodyweight in calories (e.g. if you weigh 150 pounds, eat 1500 calories).

In the real world, these numbers are simply estimates. There is no way to control everything you eat or your metabolic rate or exactly how many calories you burn during exercise. Follow the principles and don't concern yourself too much with the numbers.

 

 

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