What does it take to lose weight?
To lose weight, you have to reduce the number of calories you consume and start burning more calories each day. Calories are the amount of energy in the food you eat. Some foods have more calories than others. For example, foods high in fat and sugar are also high in calories. Your body uses calories for energy. If you eat more calories than you use, the extra calories are stored as fat in your body.
One pound (0.373 kg) of fat is roughly 3,500 calories. To lose one pound of fat in a week you have to eat 3,500 calories less, this equates to 500 fewer calories each day, or have to “burn 3,500 calories. You can burn calories by exercising or just being more active. Talk to your family doctor before beginning any exercise program. Your doctor may tell you what kind of exercise program is right for you.
