Is my calorie goal set for a deficit?

the5sherns

I am trying to lose 1 lb per week, so is my calorie goal already set at a deficit, or should I be eating 500 less calories than what it says?

durden

If you are using the goals provided to you by MyFitnessPal and are set up for weight loss (be it 1/2lb, 1lb, etc) then a deficit is already factored in to your goal. If you set a custom goal, then we are unable to factor in a deficit for you and exists purely as you set it up.

When you create your profile, we ask you for your age, height, weight, gender, and normal daily activity level. We use these factors to determine the calories required to maintain your current weight. We also ask how much weight you would like to lose or gain per week, and with this goal in mind we subtract calories (for weight loss) or add calories (for weight gain) to determine your daily calorie and nutrient goals. We recommend visiting this article for more information.

the5sherns

Thank you! I just realized I have been undereating. 😬