The Science of Calorie Deficits
Weight loss happens when you consume fewer calories than your body burns. This state is called a calorie deficit.
Key Terms Explained
- BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): Calories burned if you stayed in bed all day (organ function, breathing).
- TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure): Your BMR + calories burned from activity and digestion.
- Deficit: The difference between your TDEE and what you eat. A 500 calorie daily deficit typically leads to 1 lb of weight loss per week.
Is Faster Better?
We recommend a sustainable pace of 1 lb per week. Aggressive deficits (500+ daily) can lead to muscle loss, slower metabolism, and nutritional deficiencies.
