Confused about "deficit"

darlin8
darlin8 Posts: 14
in Health and Weight Loss
Maybe this is a silly question...but what is "deficit"? I'm confused on this...do I want a deficit or no? Please help!

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Maybe this is a silly question...but what is "deficit"? I'm confused on this...do I want a deficit or no? Please help!

    to lose weight you must have a calorie deficit - that is either eat less or burn off some calories from the total number of calories that you need to maintain your weight.

    when you set up MFP it will give you a number of calories to eat which INCLUDES a deficit based on how many lbs per week you wish to lose. this is why, generally, you should eat back your exercise calories.

    however you dont want too large a deficit, as this makes it harder to lose weight as your body thinks it is not getting properly nourished and so will hold on to excess fat (obviously that s not the scientific explanation!) and will burn muscle for energy - which is not good.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    It refers to the number of calories you consume vs the number of calories you burn. If you consume less than you burn, then you have a calorie deficit (less than your body needs to maintain itself/weight), and you'll lose weight. If you consume more than you burn, then you'll have a surplus and gain weight.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    A deficit is created when you eat fewer calories than your burn throughout the day. Daily burns include not only exercise but all bodily functions such as your heart pumping, blinking, breathing, walking around, etc. If you want to lose weight, you want a deficit. If you entered that you have a weight loss goal in MFP, it will automatically calculate the deficit you would need to reach that goal. The more weight you want to lose per week, the higher the deficit must be (although keep in mind that faster is almost never better and not sustainable).
  • darlin8
    darlin8 Posts: 14
    Thanks friends! I get it now! :)

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