Calories Deficit = Burned - Intake
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Calories deficit is the difference between calories burned and calories consumed. It's the fundamental principle behind weight loss - when you burn more calories than you consume, your body uses stored energy (fat) to make up the difference.
The calculator uses a simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: A positive deficit indicates weight loss potential, while a negative deficit (surplus) indicates weight gain.
Details: Maintaining a consistent calorie deficit is essential for sustainable weight loss. A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day typically results in 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week, which is considered safe and sustainable.
Tips: Enter your total daily calories burned (including basal metabolic rate and activity) and your total daily calorie intake. Both values should be in kilocalories (kcal).
Q1: What's a safe calorie deficit for weight loss?
A: A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day is generally safe and sustainable for most adults.
Q2: Can the deficit be too large?
A: Yes, extremely large deficits can cause muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.
Q3: How accurate are calorie burn estimates?
A: Estimates vary in accuracy. Fitness trackers and formulas provide approximations - individual results may vary.
Q4: Should I create a deficit through diet or exercise?
A: A combination of both is ideal - reduce calorie intake moderately while increasing physical activity.
Q5: How often should I recalculate my deficit?
A: As you lose weight, your metabolic rate changes. Recalculate every 4-6 weeks or after significant weight loss.