How many calories are equivalent to one pound of body weight?

One pound of body weight is commonly considered to be equivalent to approximately 3500 calories. This estimate is used in nutritional science and weight management, helping individuals to understand how caloric intake and expenditure can affect body weight. The 3500 calories per pound estimate originates from research that evaluates the energy balance needed to gain or lose weight.

When a person consumes more calories than they expend, the excess energy can be stored as body fat, which contributes to weight gain. Conversely, to lose weight, a calorie deficit needs to be created, either through reduced caloric intake or increased physical activity. Understanding that a pound of body fat requires around 3500 calories helps to establish realistic goals for weight loss, as creating a deficit of 500 calories per day would theoretically result in a weight loss of about one pound per week. This foundational concept of calorie management is crucial for effective weight control.