HomeAnswersNutritionistweight lossHow much calorie deficit is ideal to reduce fat than muscle mass?

I am on low carb, high-fat diet to lose weight. How much calorie intake is ideal?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Sumiya Sulthana

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At April 2, 2020
Reviewed AtJuly 1, 2022

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am currently on a low carb, high-fat diet to lose weight. How much of a calorie deficit do I need to accomplish weight loss, decrease body fat percentage more than muscle mass?

Answered by Sumiya Sulthana

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your BMI is 23 which is near normal, it might be with muscle mass or fat content. I need to evaluate still and need details for proper nutritional assessment to provide a correct advice. According to WHO (world health organization), you need 2000 kcal /day.

For most people, a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day is sufficient for weight loss and unlikely to significantly affect your hunger or energy levels. To create this calorie deficit, you need to know what your maintenance calories are.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Should I have a lower BMI? I have 23% body fat currently. My goal is 18-20%. Will 500 calories deficit affect muscle mass more or accelerate fat loss more?

I use a Fitbit tracker to track my daily calorie burn. Should I just minus 500 calories each day from that tracked total?

Answered by Sumiya Sulthana

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

According to WHO, 20 BMI is normal when you are near to BMI weight loss is a little struggle as it does not have much of water loss, it is fat and muscle. You need to follow 500-700 kcal deficit with diet and physical activity of 45 minutes to an hour to achieve your goals.

Till then follow these tips:

. Increase high protein diet include six almonds, six walnuts and two dates per day, fish, green leafy vegetables, egg whites, and poultry.

. Do muscle strengthening exercises.

. Increase fluid intake.

. Do rest for eight to nine hours.

. Manage stress with meditation.

. Do breathing exercises.

. Manage to follow small high calorie frequent meals.

. Do take 1500 kcal diet

. If required need to add a supplement.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Sumiya Sulthana
Sumiya Sulthana

Nutritionist

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