Frequently Asked Questions
A 500 calorie/day deficit leads to approximately 1 lb of weight loss per week (since 3,500 calories ≈ 1 lb of fat). This is the most commonly recommended rate as it preserves muscle mass better than aggressive deficits.
The general medical minimum is 1,200 calories/day for women and 1,500 calories/day for men. Going below this can cause nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and metabolic slowdown.