How many calories are in a pound of fat?

One pound of fat equals approximately 3,500 calories. Using this equation, doctors have long said that consuming 3,500 fewer calories results in the loss of 1 pound of body fat, but new studies defy this logic. New information shows that weight loss is much more complicated.

The changing viewpoints on the relationship of calories to weight loss has to do with metabolic changes that occur within the body during weight loss. Too many factors are involved to apply the blanket equation of 3,500 calories equaling one pound to everyone. Nevertheless, consuming few calories and increasing physical activity leads to healthy, sustained weight loss.