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Zestfullady
Zestfullady Posts: 5 Member
edited November 10 in Food and Nutrition
I've been reading that it takes a deficit of 3,500 to lose a pound. If I'm on a 1,200 per day diet, will I still lose weight without exercising or will I have to burn 3,500 calories is cardio to lose weight?

Replies

  • MaryCS62
    MaryCS62 Posts: 266 Member
    It's a deficit of 3500 calories over a preset length of time to lose 1 lb. If your maintenance calories for your weight are 1700 calories/day & you eat 1200 a day, after 1 week you should lose a pound (500 calories less per day times 7 days = 3500 calories less). That's the very simplistic explanation, & there are other factors in play, but that's what that means.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Your goal is already at a deficit. A deficit of a pound a week means you are eating 500 calories less than you're expected to burn through day-to-day activities, although if you're set to 1200 that deficit may be smaller than you think, as MFP will not drop you below that number. What are your stats?
  • Zestfullady
    Zestfullady Posts: 5 Member
    I'm 138lbs. Wanting to reach 120lbs. Work out 3 times a week for about 40 minutes
  • Zestfullady
    Zestfullady Posts: 5 Member
    Thanks for your responses. I guess it will just take me longer to lose weight.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    How tall are you? Yes, with 18 pounds to lose it can take some time as there isn't as much fat as someone who weighs 200 pounds.
  • Zestfullady
    Zestfullady Posts: 5 Member
    I'm 4'11
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