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Caloric Deficit

Meaning

A caloric deficit is the physiological state where the total energy expenditure of the body exceeds the energy intake derived from consumed food and beverages over a defined period. This imbalance compels the body to utilize stored energy reserves, primarily adipose tissue, to meet its metabolic demands. Achieving a controlled deficit is a fundamental principle in managing body composition and facilitating clinically significant fat mass reduction. It represents a precise thermodynamic equation essential for weight management strategies.