Is there a definite amount of calories one must burn off through exercise to lose a pound of fat? I've read many conflicting facts that range from 500 cal per 1lb to 2500cal per 1lb...

Thanks :)

Theoretically, 3500 calories is equal to one pound.

the 500 cals is probably per day to lose 1 pound a week

Is there a definite amount of calories one must burn off through exercise to lose a pound of fat? I've read many conflicting facts that range from 500 cal per 1lb to 2500cal per 1lb...

Thanks :)

3500 calories is the rough estimate for the energy contained in one pound of fat. This means that to lose one pound per week, you must create a deficit of 3500 calories per day. Since a week as 7 days, that means a deficit of 3500 / 7 = 500 calories per day.

This is a great starting point. The reality is much more complex .. for example, 3500 calories will NOT product a pound of muscle, it actually takes MORE than that, etc etc ... but as a general rule of thumb, it gives you a starting point and then you can play with the numbers from there.

Jeremy

ooh it must have been 3500 not 2500 that I heard. Thanks again for the helpful info :)