The mathematics of weight loss: Amazing tips

Weight loss is probably the biggest buzz of this decade.

Obesity is touching a new peak every day. And everyone is seeking a simple way to shed weight.

But without the basic understanding of weight loss, how can one accomplish it?

People are blindly following trends and desperately counting calories. As a result of this, a million-dollar fitness industry has boomed.

But what actually is the logic behind weight loss? Where does the fat go? How does one actually burn fat?

These are some of the burning questions that need to be answered at this hour.

To lose weight effectively one has to understand the maths of calories. 

So many people are slogging at the gym, yet only a few get the desired results.

Though many follow fasting and many try different dieting. Yet most people are disheartened by the results. 

According to leading professionals, the crux of weight-loss boils down to simple mathematics. 

But before delving into the mathematics of weight loss, let’s understand what is fats.

Understanding fats and weight loss

The chemical formula of human fat is C₅₅ H₁₀₄ O₆.

This means fat is nothing but a combination of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. 

Ruben Meerman, the Australian scientist explained the concept of weight loss with a simple equation. 

C₅₅ H₁₀₄ O₆ + 78 O₂ –> 55CO₂ + 52H₂O

According to him, fat combined with oxygen gives out carbon dioxide and water.

Both of which are then eliminated from the body.

According to Ruben mathematics,

• 84% of fat is exhaled as CO2
• 16% of fat is excreted as H2O
• 10 kg fat becomes 8.4 kg of CO2 and 1.6 kg of H20

According to Ruben’s logic, to expedite this process of burning fat one needs to get more oxygen. The best way to get this mechanism working is through exercise. Heavy breathing along with high sweating helps shed the fat faster. And we all know that exercise increases the breathing pace.

Also Read: Ways to beat middle age weight gain

The maths and science of weight loss

But is it just exercise or does diet have a role to play in weight loss? Weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise.

Here is a close look at the role of calories.

Walking for about a mile burns 100 calories.

So, to lose a single pound, one needs to go on for 35 miles or 56 km. It might take weeks for one to walk this distance.

A brisk walk for 30 minutes, five days a week. This would result in a pound drop after three-and-a-half weeks. Given, the number of calorie intake is constant.

Cutting down 250 calories from the diet would shed a pound in two weeks.

To lose one pound one needs to burn 3,500 calories. And burning 3500 calories might take days or even weeks of moderate exercise.

Thus, the best way to lose weight effectively is clubbing exercise with cutting calories. Hence, the most effective formula for weight loss is reducing calorie intake plus increasing exercise routine.

Also Read – Wine and Weight Gain: How the glass of wine affects your waistline?

The Hacker’s Diet author’s take

John Walker, the author of The Hacker’s Diet put forth the simple math:

Multiply the pounds to lose by the number of calories in a pound of fat: 10 x 3,500 = 35,000.

Now, divide the total by the days you’ll diet: 35,000 ÷ 60 = 583.

This is the number of calories you would need to cut down. 

My tip of weight loss

Weight loss should be a fulfilling journey, not a depriving one. By reducing calorie intake, I don’t mean starving. Diet means eating right. Eating the right things in the right quantities and at the right times.

To burn calories effectively one has to have the strength to push hard in the gym. Hence, an adequate amount of carbs and proteins are must in the diet. 

The things that need to be regulated are unhealthy junks. Anything that comes in a packet should be avoided completely. Be it biscuits, cookies, chocolates, ice-cream or anything wrapped in a pack. 

Natural tips on weight loss

• A healthy diet should comprise only of home-cooked hot and fresh meals.
• Eat simple snacks like idli or neer dosa for breakfast.
• Have at least one fruit a day.
• Sugar is a big no-no. White, brown or artificial sweetener.ALL NO NO.
• Eat fruits rather than juice.
• No processed or factory manufactured food.
• Eat an egg each day.
• Have lots of fresh farm veggies.
• Eat mindfully. Chew the food properly. 
• Sit in a calm place with peace. 
• Focus on the plate. Smell the food and eat it slowly.
• Sip hot water at regular interval.
• Drink lemon and ginger tea.
• Follow Osho’s tips on eating right.