Is losing weight as easy as counting calories?

Such studies consistently show that weight loss always results from people eating fewer calories than they expend. Whether this deficit comes from eating fewer carbs, protein, or fat makes little difference ( 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ).

Can you burn more fat than calories?

This sounds like a good deal—doing little work to burn more fat—however, this information is misleading. Exercising to lose weight comes down to calories burned. It is true, that in the fat burn zone you will burn more stored fats as your main energy source.

Is weight loss all about calories?

To lose weight, your “calories in” need to remain fewer than your “calories out.” Some factors can make calories seem irrelevant for weight loss, but research controlling for these factors shows that weight loss always requires a calorie deficit.

Does burning calories equal burning fat?

Your weight is a balancing act, but the equation is simple: If you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. And if you eat fewer calories and burn more calories through physical activity, you lose weight.

Does it matter how many calories you eat to lose weight?

Thus, eating more calories than you burn will cause you to gain weight, whereas eating fewer than you need will cause weight loss ( 4 ). Some studies make it appear as if what you eat matters more than how much you eat, implying that the calorie content of your diet is irrelevant for weight loss.

Do you gain weight when you eat more calories than you burn?

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.

Does the type of food you eat matter more than calories?

This concept is based on the idea that as long as you eat fewer calories than you burn, you’re bound to lose weight. However, some people insist that the type of food you eat matters much more than the number of calories it contains — both in terms of weight loss and long-term health.

Is it true that some people lose weight faster than others?

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. To lose weight, you need to create an energy deficit by eating fewer calories or increasing the number of calories you burn through physical activity or both.