Introduction
Weight loss can be challenging for many, especially in this era of abundant food. Fast-food chains are everywhere, and processed foods are widely available in grocery stores. The shift towards sedentary jobs only exacerbates the situation.
Beauty is certainly held in the eyes of the beholder. Whether you want to shed a few kilograms for the upcoming summer or improve your health by reducing excess weight, however, the benefits are clear – enhanced joint health, and decreased risks of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and certain cancers.
This article offers a basic understanding of weight loss principles, with subsequent articles delving deeper into individual topics.
The Only Principle That Matters
You may or may not have taken physics in high school or university but that is fine.
Sir Isaac Newton, a renowned physicist from the 1600s, introduced three significant laws of physics. However, for our discussion, only the first law is relevant.
It’s the law of conservation of energy – stating energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
Why is this important? Because, in terms of weight loss, your body can be viewed as an extensive energy storage, with fat tissue being its primary energy reservoir.
In our ancestors’ times, the ability to store excess energy and a strong inclination to eat (driven by hunger) was advantageous due to unpredictable food supplies. Consuming as much as possible and storing excess energy meant a better chance of surviving famines. However, in today’s age of food abundance, this advantage has become a disadvantage.
So, how does our body’s role as an energy store, combined with energy conservation, impact weight? It translates to:
- Consuming more energy (calories) than you burn results in weight gain;
- Consuming the same amount of energy as you burn maintains weight;
- Consuming less energy than you burn leads to weight loss.
This is provided the salt intake is kept constant and your kidneys are in good working order. You can gain or lose water weight, which can add a dimension to weight loss.
The law of conservation of energy is impartial. For instance, if you have a metabolic condition like hypothyroidism that slows metabolism, the principle still applies. You might just need to consume fewer calories than someone without the condition to lose weight.
The concept is straightforward, but the execution can be challenging. Successful dieting strategies will ultimately lead you to consume fewer calories than you burn to achieve your weight loss goal.
Future articles will delve into the elements of energy balance and weight loss strategies.
Leave a Reply