Caloric Deficit

A caloric deficit means you are eating fewer calories than your body uses. This forces your body to burn stored fat for energy. It is the basic science behind all weight loss.

A caloric deficit of 500-1000 kcal/day produces weight loss of 0.5-1 kg/week. Sustainable deficits preserve lean body mass and avoid metabolic adaptation.

Understanding caloric deficit helps patients avoid fad diets and focus on sustainable eating patterns. Medical supervision ensures nutritional adequacy during calorie restriction.