The Calorie Formula” (also known as the calorie theory) states “One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories, so to lose 1lb a week you need a deficit of 500 calories a day.” (British Dietetic Association). There are three errors with this: 1) One pound of fat does not equal 3,500 calories; 2) The body is not a Bunsen burner; 3) There is no evidence that a repeated deficit of 3,500 calories will lead to a loss of one pound of fat. Equally there is no evidence that a repeated excess of 3,500 calories will lead to a gain of one pound of fat.
