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 taps into stored energy (fat) to make up the difference.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The greater the difference between TDEE and calorie intake, the larger the deficit and potential weight loss.

3. Importance of Calorie Deficit

Details: Creating an appropriate calorie deficit is essential for healthy, sustainable weight loss. A deficit of 500 calories per day typically leads to about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight loss per week.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your TDEE (calculated from a TDEE calculator) and your actual daily calorie intake. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How big should my calorie deficit be?
A: Generally 300-500 calories per day for moderate weight loss, or up to 1000 calories for those with more to lose (under medical supervision).

Q2: Can calorie deficit be too large?
A: Yes, very large deficits can lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.

Q3: How accurate is TDEE estimation?
A: TDEE calculators provide estimates. Actual expenditure may vary based on activity levels, body composition, and other factors.

Q4: Should I adjust my deficit as I lose weight?
A: Yes, as you lose weight your TDEE decreases, so you may need to adjust intake or activity to maintain the same deficit.

Q5: Is calorie deficit the only factor in weight loss?
A: While fundamental, other factors like macronutrient balance, sleep, stress management, and exercise type also play important roles.