What is Calorie deficit?
A calorie deficit means eating fewer calories than your body burns, which is how body weight generally goes down.
Also called: caloric deficit, energy deficit.
A calorie deficit happens when the calories you eat are lower than your TDEE. Your body then uses stored energy to make up the difference, and over time weight tends to drop. It is the basic principle behind most fat loss plans.
A moderate deficit is usually easier to stick to than a harsh one. For example, if your TDEE is 2,200 calories, eating around 1,900 to 2,000 is a gentle deficit. Keep protein reasonably high and keep lifting to help hold on to muscle. People with health conditions, pregnant women and under-18s should talk to a doctor before dieting.
Related terms
General information, not medical advice. All terms.