To lose weight, a calorie deficit is key. How much of a deficit? Depends on your current weight and goals, but if you create too much of a deficit, the weight loss plateaus can be more difficult to break through and here is why.
What is the metabolic fate of calories?
Your body’s heat production
New protein, bone, and muscle production (ps, bone formation and changes continue in adulthood)
Brain function
Heart rate and stroke volume (blood pumping)
Physical exertion
Liver and kidney functions
Digestion function of the pancreas and bowel
Breathing (lung function)
Excretion (intestines and colon)
Fat production (necessary for hormone function) *
Your body will crave nutrients, and if you drop calories too low and/or eliminate a macronutrient from you diet, your body will demand energy to fuel these bodily functions that no one thinks about when losing weight.
Dramatically cut calories and have success, but then over time the weight will come back.
Want life long weight loss success? Gradually cut calories, increase activity and slowly find a healthy balance between the two.
*Reference: “The Obesity Code” Dr. Jason Fung
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