Why Caloric Models Don't Work

By Kris Reid Body Makeover Expert

     Caloric models of weight loss (calorie cutting diets) are based on the Law of Conservation of Energy.  That is, energy cannot be created nor destroyed.  Just like the Law of Conservation of Mass says that that matter cannot be created nor destroyed.  However, if we measure the mass of a body builder and the mass of a person who is dieting, we can see that their mass definitely changes.  Mass changes. So does energy. So we have to go beyond these Laws, to the theory of Energetics.  This takes energy "quality" into account by creating an energy hierarchy.  What this means is  your particular body picks a fuel to burn based on what matches best.   

     Let's start with something basic that's easy to visualize and prove. An increase in lean muscle mass increases a person's metabolic energy requirement because of the extra mass.  IF adding muscle mass was all we need to burn more body fat, offensive football linemen and Power Lifters would have almost no body fat.  That is not the case.  This leads us to the first flaw in the system.  The energy the body uses will not always come from lipids (fats). In fact, most will come from carbohydrates.  Therefore, even with a reduction in calories, you won't guarantee that you are fat burning.  

     The second flaw has to do with your body's ability to adapt.  This is called metabolic adaptation and goes like this...If there is more mass, the body burns more calories.  But that just means it takes more food to maintain a fat free mass.  Therefore, if you cut calories, there will be less fat free mass--less lean mass-more fat, that is. And so, a slower metabolic rate, after you are done dieting.

     Finally, the third flaw has to do with customization or even personalization.  There are many unique qualities that make up a person including blood pressure, thyroid, conditioning, and also how a muscle is currently conditioned to utilize fuels in your body.  As an example, I burn 82% body fat for fuel when I'm doing cardio exercise at a heart rate between 109 and 117 beats per minute. But I switch to only 10% fat utilization after 140 beats per minute.  I have studied other clients who burn at most 50% fat at a range of 116 beats per minute through 140 beats per minute, then taper off slowly at higher intensities. I'm burning 82%. They burn at most 50%.  We all burn less at higher beats per minute. Calories and weight loss is not a simple equation that applies to everyone equally.

     All of this means when you pick a weight loss regimen, make sure it takes your unique factors into account. Look at your own situation, health and condition, so that there is no wasted effort, and you get the most encouraging results possible!