Calorie Guide for Weight Loss: Calculation and Burn Rates

How many calories does the average body burn a day, even while sitting or raking leaves? Calculate the precise deficit needed to lose 2 pounds a day through diet and activities like biking.

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How Many Calories Do I Need to Lose 20 lbs.?

Published Jul,18 2017 | By Lydia Stephens

One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories, so losing 20 lbs. means creating an overall deficit of 70,000 calories. While that number may seem intimidating, you can pick away at it gradually through moderate calorie reduction and exercise.

Lydia Stephens began writing professionally in 2009. She has written online for Nile Guides, SheKnows.com and various other websites and has been published in "Stringing Magazine" and "Xiamen Wave." Stephens played competitive soccer for 19 years, has been weight lifting since 2007 and enjoys running, biking and sailing. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Texas.