Is the calorie concept a real solution to the obesity epidemic?

The cause of obesity is stated by the World Health Organization as an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. However, growing evidence suggests that the calorie imbalance concept may not be sufficient to manage and reverse the obesity epidemic.

What happens when we burn off or use through exercise more calories than we consume eat?

You gain weight when you eat more calories than you burn — or burn fewer calories than you eat. While it is true that some people seem to be able to lose weight more quickly and more easily than others, everyone loses weight when they burn up more calories than they eat.

Can calories cause obesity?

As little as 10 or 20 calories stored as excess fat each day can lead over decades to obesity. The hormone hypothesis suggests that the only way to prevent this downward spiral from happening, and to reverse it when it does, is to avoid the sugars and carbohydrates that work to raise insulin levels.

Why are calories not all the same?

Different foods go through different biochemical pathways, some of which are inefficient and cause energy (calories) to be lost as heat ( 1 ). Even more important is the fact that different foods and macronutrients have a major effect on the hormones and brain centers that control hunger and eating behavior.

Does it matter when you eat your calories?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Weight Control Information Network web site, “it does not matter what time of day you eat. It is what and how much you eat and how much physical activity you do during the whole day that determines whether you gain, lose, or maintain your weight.”

Is calories in calories out real?

When the number of calories you take in from food matches the number of calories you burn to sustain your metabolism, digestion, and physical activity, your weight will remain stable. Thus, the “calories in versus calories out” model is strictly true. You need a calorie deficit to lose weight.

Does obesity result from simply consuming more calories than you burn?

People gain weight by consuming more energy than they burn, so consuming fewer calories, or energy, can help. However, other factors play a role, such as genetic factors, metabolism, hormones, the type of food you eat, your body type, and lifestyle.

Is it bad to burn off all your calories?

When it comes to balancing food eaten with activity, there’s a simple equation: energy in = energy out (in other words, calories eaten = calories burned). So, yes, it is possible to burn off food calorie for calorie with exercise.

What is the relationship between diet and obesity?

The results indicate that a prudent/healthy dietary pattern may decrease overweight/obesity risk, while a western/unhealthy dietary pattern may increase overweight/obesity risk.

What is the relationship between calories and weight gain?

The amount of energy in an item of food or drink is measured in calories. When we eat and drink more calories than we use up, our bodies store the excess as body fat. If this continues, over time we may put on weight.