Calories - Weight Gain - Weight Loss

The Calorie Equation and Your Weight

The calorie equation for vegetarians and meat-eaters goes like this:
Change in stored calories = calorie intake minus calorie expenditure
In other words:

• If calories-in EQUALS calories-out, there will be no change in stored calories (body weight) and you will neither gain nor lose weight.
• If calorie intake EXCEEDS calories expenditure, there will be an increase in stored calories and thus you will gain weight. (Positive calorie balance)
• If calorie intake is LESS than calorie expenditure, there will be a decrease in stored calories (body weight) and thus you will lose weight. (Negative calorie balance)

Amount of Calories Per Pound of Body Weight

As a general rule, if we take in 3500 calories of energy more than we burn, we gain one pound of weight. Conversely, if we burn 3500 calories more than we take in, we lose one pound of body weight.

Calorie Equation and Water Weight Loss

Water contains no calories and therefore is not counted in the calorie equation. Although we always lose some water whenever we lose weight, it is usually replaced immediately whenever we eat or drink again.

Calorie Equation and Muscle Loss

Weight loss studies have shown that when we diet, the weight we lose is on average 75 percent fat and 25 percent muscle. This is bad news, because the less muscle we have on our body the fewer calories we need and the easier it is to gain weight! The good news is, you can reduce this muscle loss by adding resistance or strength training to your regular exercise routine.

Optimum Weight Loss: Combine Calorie Reduction with Exercise

In order to lose weight, calories should not be your only concern. Exercise is vital, too. So if you want to lose fat, maintain your energy and improve health, get active and take regular physical exercise.

CONCLUSION: Calories and Weight - The Basic Law

Like a see-saw, if our calorie intake balances our calorie expenditure, our weight remains stable. If we take in more energy (calories) than we use up, we gain weight. If we take in less energy (calories) than we burn, we lose weight. This is the basic law of weight gain and weight loss.
Further Calorie Information:
Calories Information
US Nutrient Database
Diet Calories