Question

How is 3500 kCal calculated to equal 1 pound, or .45 kg? Could you please use the conversion method so I can see each and every step. Thank you.

Answer 1

This is just a rough mathematical calculation to find out the energy equivalent of fat exists in our body.

White adipose tissue is responsible for energy storage in the body. This tissue is composed from anywhere from 60% to 85% fat. If we take the commonly accepted 9 calories of energy per gram of fat, the we get the following calculations -

9 (calories/gram) x 454 grams (grams in 1 pound) x 0.85 = 3465 calories.

This can be approximated to 3500 calories in a pound of human fat.