How many calories in a pound of fat? Hummmmm.... -- Your Personal Success Board

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Date Posted: 11:48:19 11/04/04 Thu
Author: J.R.Smith, c.f.t.,s.f.t., p.n.s. - ISSA, USSA, ISFN
Subject: How many calories in a pound of fat? Hummmmm....

Do you know how many calories there are in a pound of fat? Many think it is 3500 calories but in reality,it actually takes approximately 4,086 calories to deposit or burn one pound of fat and not 3,500 only.

Here are the actual computations. Given: 1,000 grams = 2.2 pounds, and 1 gram of fat = 9 calories.

Then: 1 pound of fat x 1,000 grams / 2.2 pounds = 454 grams of fat, and 454 grams x 9 calories / 1 gram = 4,086 calories."

Why the big difference between 3,500 calories and 4,086 calories? Why do I continue to say 3,500 calories?

While your calculation is logical and correct, because one gram of fat is equal to nine calories, but 3,500 calories is also correct because considering other factors.

When we burn fat, or other nutrients, heat is produced, which is measured in calories. Each gram of fat generates 9 calories, and 454 grams equals one pound. But a pound of fat is not all fat. It is about ten (10) percent water. All of our body tissues, fat, muscle, bone, skin contain some water. And water has zero calories.

In addition, not all the nutrients we eat are completely absorbed from the digestive tract to meet metabolic needs. In the case of fat, roughly five (5) percent is eliminated in the feces. This 10% water content and 5% non-absorbed fat accounts for the 15% difference between the calculated 4086 calories and the actual 3500 calories in a pound of fat.

Hope this enlightens you about how many calories a pound of fat has.

Here you go, another reason why you should always go to an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certified fitness professional before going to anyone else. We offer the most advanced training, nutrition and education of any fitness service available in Pulaski County - I guarantee it.

J.R.Smith, c.f.t., s.f.t., p.n.s.
Personal Fitness & Nutrition Specialist
ISSA - USSA - ISFN
606-677-6767

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