The practical implications of the First Law of Thermodynamics and the Principle of Conservation of Energy are obvious and unavoidable. When all the calories (energy) consumed in the food we eat totals more than all the calories expended during our biological processes and activities, the excess calories consumed, but not used, will remain in the body (i.e., a "deposit" will be made to our body’s savings account and our body fat level will increase).

By the same token, if the calories consumed totals less than the total calories expended the result will be an energy shortage. This shortage requires the usage of previously stored energy. (i.e., a "withdrawal" from the savings account and a reduction in body fat level).

Finally, an even balance between calorie intake and expenditure produces neither energy storage or usage of previously stored energy (i.e., no "transaction" with our savings account and no change in body fat level).

There are 3500 calories in a pound of body fat, so it requires an accumulated deficit of 3500 calories to use up 1 pound of fat and thereby reduce your body fat level by one pound.

Creating a Calorie Deficit: Diet or Exercise?
The First Law of Thermodynamics is perhaps the most basic and scientifically sound law in all of science. It’s as valid and undeniable today as the day the universe leapt into existence. It proves a calorie deficit, beyond any shadow of a doubt, as the absolute necessity for fat loss. Now the question becomes; How do we create a calorie deficit, through restriction of calorie intake (diet), or by increased calorie expenditure (exercise and physical activity)?

If you listen to today’s current crop of "experts" they’ll tell you: diets don’t work; exercise is the only way to "burn" fat; calories don’t count; fat intake is all that matters; the secret is eating a "magic" proportion of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Basically you’ll hear that aerobic exercise and a low fat diet is the way to lose fat. And basically, if you follow this advice you’re going to end up pretty sad, frustrated and – still fat.

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