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 the body uses stored energy (fat) to make up for the energy shortfall.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Intake \) — Calories consumed (kcal)
• \( Expenditure \) — Calories burned (kcal)

Explanation: The calculator subtracts your total energy expenditure from your calorie intake to determine your daily calorie deficit.

3. Importance of Calorie Deficit

Details: Maintaining an appropriate 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.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your daily calorie intake and total energy expenditure in kilocalories (kcal). Both values must be non-negative numbers. The calculator will compute your daily calorie deficit.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy calorie deficit?
A: A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day is generally recommended for safe and sustainable weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week.

Q2: Can the deficit be too large?
A: Yes, excessively large deficits can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic slowdown, and other health issues.

Q3: How do I calculate my total energy expenditure?
A: Total energy expenditure includes basal metabolic rate (BMR) plus calories burned through physical activity. Various formulas and calculators are available to estimate these values.

Q4: Should I track calories consistently?
A: For accurate results, track your intake and expenditure consistently using food scales, nutrition labels, and activity trackers when possible.

Q5: Is calorie deficit the only factor in weight loss?
A: While calorie deficit is primary, other factors like macronutrient balance, meal timing, sleep quality, and stress management also influence weight loss success.