How many calories does it take to lose a pound?

3,500 calories need to be burned in order for an individual to lose a pound, according to the Mayo Clinic. Losing 3,500 calories in a short period of time, whether it be by dieting or exercise, is not healthy and most medical professionals recommend spreading it out over several days to a week. By burning 3,500 calories, individuals will lose a combination of fat, water and lean tissue from their body.

To lose calories, simply exercise or diet. To cut calories from a meal, skip high-calorie, low-nutrition foods, opt for low-calorie alternatives whenever possible and also reduce the portion sizes of each meal.