Calories to Pounds Conversion

What is a Calorie?

• Calorie is a unit of heat or energy. By definition, a 'Thermochemical calorie' is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1^o centigrade
• This conversion of Calorie to Pounds is with respect to 'Food Calorie' which is equal to 1000 thermo calories. 1 Calorie or kcal = 1000 small calories.
• The Food Calorie is designated by a Capital 'Calorie' or kcal.
• The calorie and pound are not directly related. The energy contained or released in the food we consume is measured in calories. The amount of fat, protein and carbohydrate contained in the food is known. Under lab condition, a relationship has been established between fat (in kg/lbs) and calories.

What is a Pound?

• Pound is a unit of mass in the imperial system of measurement
• The abbreviation or symbol used is lb
• A pound is equal to 0.454 of a kg.
• For Calories to Pounds Calculation, it is the body fat mass that is being measured in lbs.
• This calculator is used mainly for the purpose of knowing how our calorie intake affects weight and how to adjust calorie intake to gain or lose pounds

How is 3500 Calories to a Pound derived?

• The energy content of Pure fat is about 9 calories per gram (ranging between 8.7 to 9.5) which is as tested in lab conditions.
• For a kilogram (1000 grams), the energy content of pure fat becomes 9 x 1000 = 9000 calories per kg. The same in pounds can be worked out as 9000 * 0.454 = 4086 calories / pound.
  Note: A pound is equal to 0.454 of a kg.
• Body fat is not 100% of pure fat. As per research findings, the adipose tissue is 87% of fat and rest comprises other substances/fluids.
  Therefore, 87% of 4086 calories = 3554 calories/pound and it is roughly taken as 3500 calories
• The value 87% itself is not an accurate fixed value. Recent researches are putting it more in the range of 72-75%
• As of now, there is no universal standard value for the same. However, the 3500 calorie per pound of fat can be taken as an approximate guideline value.

Converting Calories to Pounds and Effect on Weight Loss and Weight Gain

• Calories measure the amount of energy in food, while pounds measure the amount of mass in a person's body.
• It takes a deficit of 3500 calories to lose one pound of fat.
• However, this number can vary depending on factors such as muscle mass, metabolism, and activity level.
• Some foods, such as processed foods and sugary drinks, are high in calories but low in nutrients. Other foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are lower in calories but higher in nutrients.
• When you eat, your body burns calories to digest the food. This is known as the thermic effect of food (TEF). The TEF of different foods varies, but it is typically around 10% of the total calories consumed.
• When you exercise, you burn calories. The amount of calories you burn during exercise depends on the intensity and duration of the activity.
• The number of calories you need to consume each day to maintain your weight is known as your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).
• Your TDEE is calculated by adding your RMR, TEF, and exercise calories burned.

Note:
• The conversion ratio of 3500 calories per pound is an estimate. The actual number of calories it takes to lose or gain weight can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, gender, muscle mass, metabolism, and activity level.