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 must use stored energy (fat) to make up for the energy shortfall.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple formula:

Where:

• \( TDEE \) — Total Daily Energy Expenditure (calories your body burns in a day)
• \( Actual\ Intake \) — Calories you actually consumed

Explanation: The calculation shows the difference between what your body needs and what you've provided through food intake.

3. Importance of Calorie Deficit

Details: Maintaining an appropriate calorie deficit is essential for healthy and sustainable weight loss. A moderate deficit typically results in steady weight loss while preserving muscle mass and energy levels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your TDEE (calculated through other methods) and your actual calorie intake. Both values should be in kcal/day. The result shows your daily calorie deficit.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy calorie deficit?
A: A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day is generally recommended, resulting in 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week.

Q2: Can the deficit be too large?
A: Yes, excessively large deficits can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic slowdown.

Q3: How do I calculate my TDEE?
A: TDEE can be estimated using formulas like Mifflin-St Jeor or Harris-Benedict, multiplied by an activity factor.

Q4: Should I track calories every day?
A: Consistency is important, but occasional variations are normal. Focus on weekly averages rather than daily perfection.

Q5: What if my deficit calculation is negative?
A: A negative result means you're in a calorie surplus (consuming more than you burn), which leads to weight gain.