Calories per pound of fat

How many calories per pound of fat?

There are approximately 3,500 calories per pound of fat, so to lose one pound a week, a person should consume approximately 3,500 fewer calories of fat per week. This can be done by reducing the daily intake by 500 calories per day (500 x 7 days will provide a deficit of 3,500 calories per week). To lose 2 pounds of fat per week, a deficit of 1,000 calories per day is required.

If this seems impossible, remember that physical activity also contributes significantly to weight loss. The deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories can come from a combination of increased physical activity and reduced intake on a daily basis.

Therefore, you don't need to experience significant food deprivation. The lowest intake per day recommended for women is 1,200 calories, unless they are in a medically-supervised, very low-calorie regimen which may have a daily level of 500 to 800 calories per day.
The lowest level recommended for men is 1,500 calories per day. A very low-calorie diet can also be used by males if they are in a medically-supervised program.
Here are some steps for weight maintenance and weight loss:

• Increase your daily activity -- take the stairs rather than the elevator, or walk rather than drive when possible.
• Reduce your food intake gradually. This will help make these new eating habits lifetime changes. Reduce fat intake on a daily basis, and reduce intake of other high-calorie foods.
  
• Change any habits that make you eat more, or eat poorly.
• Learn about the calorie content of foods and the calorie expenditure of various physical activities.

These suggestions regarding calories per pound of fat and healthy weight loss guidelines is is approved and from the US Governments National Institute of Health.