What Is The Difference Between Kcal And Body Calories?

Posted on Thu, 28 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 Answered on

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : what is the difference between kcal and body calories?

Answered by Meenakshi Attrey (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed Answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Greetings.....!!!

In Nutrition terms, Kcal represents the unit of Food Energy. In other words it is the number that indicates the actual calories that a food possesses. Scientifically 1000 calorie is equal to 1 kilo calorie (kcal).

With respect to human body, we measure energy in terms of body calories. For example 1 bowl of rice (30 g. raw) produces approx. 90 - 100 body calories. Average human body, requires nearly 1800 kcal of energy each day.

However, the actual energy requirements may vary depending upon factors like weight for height, medical history and activity index. We take body calories as base to prepare the daily diet. For someone who is looking to lose weight, calories obtained from all food sources should be less than body calorie requirement and vice versa.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad