Calorie deficit

How it is used

Common in weight management, fitness and social media. People 'create', 'are in' or 'maintain' a calorie deficit; the opposite is a 'calorie surplus'. In scientific texts the same idea is usually called an 'energy deficit' or 'negative energy balance'.

Example sentences

1. A very large calorie deficit can lead to muscle loss and tiredness.

2. His food diary suggests he isn't actually in a calorie deficit on weekends.

Common collocations

• create a calorie deficit
• be in a calorie deficit
• moderate calorie deficit
• calorie surplus

Related terms

• energy balanceThe relationship between the energy a person takes in from food and drink and the energy the body uses. When the two are equal, body weight tends to stay stable.
• calorieA unit for measuring the energy that food and drink provide and the body uses. On food labels and in nutrition, 'calorie' usually means a kilocalorie (kcal).
• weight managementThe long-term process of reaching and keeping a body weight that supports health, through eating habits, physical activity, behavior change and, when needed, medical treatment.
• basal metabolic rateThe amount of energy the body uses at complete rest to keep basic functions such as breathing, circulation and cell repair going. It is usually the largest part of daily energy use.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• calorie deficit · Sports & Fitness

More terms: Energy Balance and Body Weight

• obesity
• body composition
• lean body mass