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Nutrition
Nutrition
Kilocalorie (kcal)
Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
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In one line
A kilocalorie is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C; 1 kcal = 1,000 cal.
Detail
In nutrition and exercise contexts, the term "calorie" is frequently used for what is actually a kilocalorie (kcal). A kilocalorie is defined as the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1° C. One kcal equals 1,000 cal.
Total caloric intake comes from the food and drink a person consumes. The carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in these foods contain energy that is expressed in terms of kcal.
Key facts
- 1 kcal = heat needed to raise 1 kg of water by 1°C.
- 1 kcal = 1,000 cal.
- The everyday "calorie" in nutrition usually means a kilocalorie.
Connections
- caloric-balance — the unit used in the energy-balance equation.
- macronutrient-energy — carbs, fats, and proteins supply kcal.
SourceReference manual
p.324
Section: "Exercise and Calories."
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Explore related topics
Atlas Connections
3,500 kcal = 1 lb Adipose Tissue Rule
One pound of adipose tissue equals 3,500 kcal, so a 500-kcal-per-day deficit produces roughly 1 lb of fat loss in one week.Caloric Balance (Energy Balance)
Caloric balance is the relationship between the calories you take in and the calories you burn; the energy-balance equation is Caloric Intake = Caloric Expenditure.Macronutrients as Energy Sources
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the energy-containing macronutrients whose energy is expressed in kcal and metabolized to fuel the body.