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The Science of Calorie Restriction: Going beyond Fat-loss

5 unhelpful myths debunked so you can make the most out of calorie restriction.

6 min readJul 1, 2020

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Calorie restriction is a nutritional approach that cuts daily caloric intake to less than typical, usually by 10–25%, while consuming adequate nutrients to avoid malnutrition.

Calories measure the amount of energy people derive from foods and drinks to live and function. Each gram of carbohydrate or protein packs four calories, while a gram of fat holds nine.

Calorie restriction is not only a wildly popular method for weight loss but also an effective strategy to live healthier and longer. To get the most out of it, steer clear of the following widespread misconceptions.

Myth #1: Calorie restriction is only for those who seek fat-loss

On the contrary, calorie restriction offers a slew of benefits beyond fat-loss:

  1. Slows cardiac aging and impedes the build-up of fats and cholesterol plaque in artery walls, boosting heart health and mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  2. Protects against chronic medical conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, and metabolic risk factors associated with…

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