how many calories in order to lose x pounds?

Poncho · #1 (**permalink**) October 9th, 2007, 08:16 AM

How many kcal should I stick to / deduct per day if I wanna lose

A) 2kg (4.4 pounds)/week?
B) 1,5kg (3.3pounds)/week?
C) 1kg (2.2 pounds)/week?

I'm really curious since I've heard various answers to the questions. According to a chart I should have a daily intake of 1600 kcal to stay at my current weight (meaning losing no, gaining no pounds). So if I cut it in half, and eat food worth a 800kcal/day, how much will I lose per week?

Makes sense? I hope I got my question through.

Steve · #2 (**permalink**) October 9th, 2007, 08:38 AM

Weight loss doesn't work so exactly, especially when you don't have a crazy amount of weight to lose.

Poncho · #3 (**permalink**) October 10th, 2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

Weight loss doesn't work so exactly, especially when you don't have a crazy amount of weight to lose.

I am aware of that but there IS an answer to the question. It doesn't have to be precise.

The amount is relative, as everything else. To me it makes a big difference.

Steve · #4 (**permalink**) October 10th, 2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poncho

I am aware of that but there IS an answer to the question. It doesn't have to be precise.

Since it doesn't work like that, no, there is not an answer.

Quote:

As for the crazy amount I'm not sure what you are referring to. The amount is relative, as everything else. To me it makes a big difference.

You are missing my point.

The less weight you have to lose, the more volatile your metabolism will be. That said, the less likely you are to zero in on an exact number to trigger weight loss.

The more fat you have to lose, the more likely the old adage: 3500 calories deficit will lead to 1 lb of fat loss per week, is applicable.

The less fat you have to lose, the less this adage is applicable.

Steve · #5 (**permalink**) October 10th, 2007, 09:19 AM

Let me add this:

Instead of getting hung up so much in the numbers, take the simplistic route. It makes more sense anyhow since our bodies are too complex to zero in on exact numbers.

14-16 calories per pound is generally considered maintenance. Of course these are working on averages. But for most, this will work out just fine. It will give you your maintenance caloric intake assuming an average amount of exercise (energy expenditure) factored in as well.

From here, reduce your intake by 20-30%.

This should be enough to get you in a deficit and trigger fat loss.

May I ask your stats?

Goals?

Current exercise routine?

How you generally eat?