Calories Needed to Lose Weight

To lose weight, you need to burn off excess calories with exercise or eat fewer calories--or both. The number of calories each person needs to lose weight is dependant on many factors, such as his metabolism and any health concerns. If you are pregnant or nursing, it is a good idea to wait until your child is done nursing before trying to lose weight.

Metabolism

• Metabolism plays a key role in the number of calories needed to lose weight. A higher metabolism means a person can eat more and still lose or not gain weight. A slower metabolism means the reverse. For instance, a person with average metabolism who weighs 170 pounds needs to eat 1,700 calories per day to maintain that weight (adding a zero at the end of your weight is a standard way to calculate caloric intake needs). However, if he has faster metabolism, he can eat more; if his metabolism is slow, he must eat less. This is why you see a thin person with a fast metabolism eat more than everyone else without gaining a pound. One way to quicken metabolism is by eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than a few large meals.

Health Conditions

• The amount of calories it takes to lose weight also depends on a person's health. People with poorly functioning thyroids might keep weight on even when they cut calories. Adrenal support supplements like B-vitamins can help, but sometimes medication is necessary. Other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and poor liver function, may also keep the pounds from coming off as fast because the body is in distress.

Nutrition

• Nutrition also plays a big role in how many calories to cut in order to lose weight. A person often consuming empty calories--those the body does not need--from junk food (even if they are under their caloric allotment) is less likely to burn calories. On the other hand, a person consuming nutritious foods--those the body needs--is more likely to lose weight because his body will store fewer calories as fat. A diet loaded with lean meats, vegetables and fruits is often ideal. A whole food multivitamin supplement can also give the body the additional nutrients needed to function better.

Timing

• In general, when you eat can also affect how many calories are needed to lose weight. Your body will more likely use up calories from meals earlier in the day than those at night. Calories taken in at night are more likely to be stored, since your body will be more at rest than while you are working during the day.

Body Mass Index

• Body mass index also affects how long it takes for a person to lose weight. A person with a high body mass is going to lose weight more slowly and burn fewer calories until they gain muscle. Once muscle is built, calories will be burned faster, resulting in weight loss.