1. What is Calorie Deficit?

A calorie deficit occurs when you consume fewer calories than your body expends. This is the fundamental principle behind weight loss, as your body must use stored energy (fat) to make up for the energy shortfall.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( \text{TDEE} \) — Total Daily Energy Expenditure (calories your body burns in a day)
• \( \text{Calories} \) — Calories consumed through food and drink

Explanation: A positive result indicates a deficit (weight loss), zero indicates maintenance, and a negative result indicates a surplus (weight gain).

3. Importance of Calorie Deficit

Details: Creating a sustainable calorie deficit is essential for healthy weight loss. A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day typically leads to a safe weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your TDEE (calculated through various online calculators or formulas) and your actual calorie intake. Both values should be in kcal/day for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a safe calorie deficit for weight loss?
A: A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day is generally considered safe and sustainable for most people.

Q2: How do I calculate my TDEE?
A: TDEE can be estimated using formulas like Harris-Benedict or Mifflin-St Jeor, multiplied by an activity factor based on your lifestyle.

Q3: Can a calorie deficit be too large?
A: Yes, excessively large deficits can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.

Q4: Should I track calories every day?
A: While daily tracking can be helpful, focusing on weekly averages may provide a more flexible and sustainable approach.

Q5: Do all calories count equally for weight loss?
A: While calorie balance determines weight loss/gain, nutrient quality affects health, satiety, and body composition.