7000 CALORIES IS ABOUT 1 KILO
- Kennet Bath
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read

Yes, that’s correct! The general rule of thumb is that a deficit of approximately 7,000 calories is needed to lose one kilogram (or 3,500 calories for one pound) of body weight. This concept is based on the fact that body fat contains around 7,000 calories per kilogram.
Here’s how it works
1. Caloric Deficit: To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit, which means consuming fewer calories than you burn through activity and metabolism.
2. Burning One Kilogram of Fat: Since 1 kg of fat contains roughly 7,000 kcal of stored energy, a deficit of 7,000 kcal should theoretically result in the loss of one kilogram.
3. Achieving the Deficit: You can create a deficit by reducing food intake, increasing physical activity, or a combination of both. For example, a 500 kcal daily deficit would lead to approximately one kilogram of weight loss in two weeks (14 days × 500 kcal = 7,000 kcal).
Important Considerations
- Individual Factors: Metabolism, muscle mass, age, and activity level can affect how quickly weight loss occurs.
- Type of Weight Lost: Not all weight loss is fat; some might be water weight or muscle mass, especially if not following a balanced diet or exercise plan.
- Consistency and Patience: Healthy weight loss is typically around 0.5-1 kg per week, ensuring fat loss rather than muscle loss.
By understanding this principle, you can plan your calorie intake and exercise to reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
The Bodyweight Team