Calories to Lose 1 lb = 3500 / Deficit Days
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The Calorie Burn Calculator For Weight Loss helps determine how long it will take to lose weight based on your daily calorie deficit. It uses the fundamental principle that 1 pound of body weight equals approximately 3500 calories.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation is based on the well-established principle that creating a 3500-calorie deficit results in approximately 1 pound of weight loss.
Details: Understanding your calorie deficit helps create realistic weight loss goals and timelines. It provides a scientific approach to weight management rather than guesswork.
Tips: Enter your daily calorie deficit (the difference between calories consumed and calories burned) and the number of days you plan to maintain this deficit. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Is the 3500 calories per pound rule accurate for everyone?
A: While it's a good general guideline, individual metabolism, body composition, and other factors can cause variations in actual weight loss.
Q2: What's a safe daily calorie deficit?
A: Most experts recommend a deficit of 500-1000 calories per day for safe, sustainable weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.
Q3: Why might my actual weight loss differ from the calculation?
A: Factors like water retention, muscle gain, metabolic adaptation, and hormonal changes can affect scale weight independent of fat loss.
Q4: Should I create a larger deficit for faster weight loss?
A: Very large deficits can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown. Moderate deficits are more sustainable.
Q5: How do I know my actual calorie deficit?
A: Track your food intake accurately and estimate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). The difference is your deficit.