Rahul Kapoor Rahul Kapoor Asked 4 months ago

How to set calorie deficit for weight loss?

I'm trying to lose some weight and my trainer mentioned I need to be in a calorie deficit. I'm not sure how to calculate that for myself to ensure healthy weight loss. Can someone guide me on how to set a calorie deficit for weight loss?

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10 answers

Rohan Patel Rohan Patel Joined Jan 2026 3 months ago

To set a calorie deficit, first figure out your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). Then, aim to eat 300-500 calories less than that. Combine it with some strength training and cardio, and you'll see results. Consistency is more important than extreme cuts.

Shreya Gupta Shreya Gupta Joined Jul 2026 3 months ago

I'm trying to understand this. So, if I burn 2000 calories, I should eat like 1500? But how do I know how many calories I'm actually burning or eating? Is there an easy way to track?

Ananya Reddy Ananya Reddy Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

For busy professionals, tracking everything can be tough. Start by making small, sustainable changes. Cut out sugary drinks, reduce portion sizes by a quarter, and add a short walk to your routine. These small deficits add up without needing intense tracking every day. Consistency beats perfection.

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Amit Kumar Amit Kumar Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Using an app like MyFitnessPal or HealthifyMe helps a lot. You can input your age, weight, and activity level to estimate your maintenance calories, then set a deficit there. My smart watch also tracks my steps and activity calories burned, which gives a good estimate for the deficit.

Deepika Singh Deepika Singh Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

From my experience, a moderate deficit of 300-500 calories works best for sustainable weight loss. Anything too drastic is hard to maintain and can slow down your metabolism. Focus on protein and fiber to stay full, and don't forget to lift weights to preserve muscle mass while losing fat. Be patient, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Ramesh Swamy Ramesh Swamy Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago

May your journey be filled with positive energy and good health. Setting intentions with a calm mind can help in achieving goals like this. Remember to be kind to your body and listen to its needs. A balanced approach and peace within always lead to good outcomes.

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Vivek Rao Vivek Rao Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Don't just pick a random calorie number off the internet, please. Everyone's body is different. What works for one might not work for another, or worse, it could be unhealthy. Consult a dietician or a doctor to get a personalized and safe calorie target for your body.

Priya Yadav Priya Yadav Joined May 2026 4 months ago

My son was struggling with weight, and his doctor advised a small deficit. We focused on healthier cooking at home, less junk, and increasing his activity. It's important to make it a family effort, not just one person suffering. Small, consistent changes really help in the long run without feeling too restricted.

Mahesh Shah Mahesh Shah Joined Jul 2026 3 months ago

If you're diabetic, calorie deficit needs to be managed carefully with your doctor or a dietician. It's not just about calories, but also carbohydrate intake and how it affects your blood sugar. Don't cut too drastically without professional guidance, it can be risky.

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