Low Cal vs Low Carb

karirenae

Ok, I have cut calories in the past with no fast/large loss... when I started LC, Ive lost about 26 lbs since the first week of January... any ideas on why LC causes faster weight loss? I know that the calories are normally decreased because of the LC diet, but I am still staying around 1200-1500 daily, and was the same on just low calorie...

wabmester

It's because a calorie isn't a calorie.

There have been books written on the subject, but one aspect is how we metabolize protein vs other macros. It takes more energy to transform protein sources into an energy source that the body can use. It's estimated that 100 calories of protein input translates to around 30 calories of useful energy storage/output. This also shows up as increased thermogenesis (heat waste) in academic studies.

FIT_Goat

There are many reasons. There's hormonal reasons (basically eating low carb allows your body to access fat storage easier while low calorie encourages metabolic adaptation... A la burn less calories to compensate for reduced intake).

I am on my phone and can't elaborate easily. But, does the why really matter? You've found that low carb works better for you. That's really all that matters in the end.

sweetteadrinker2

It has to do with the biology of the human body. Carbs, then fat, then protein for fuel. CICO is a nice way of telling your body there is a famine and you're not getting enough to eat, famines have historically lasted for a long time, the body would rather adapt to the low cals than lose weight making you able to survive longer. I read a good article at some point about the fact that animal fat and protein was only available during times of plenty and the things available during harsher times were more carby (things growing near a tribe for example). The article suggested that these foods may have become triggers for burn vs store because of this.