• Sign in
  • Join now

Is calorie counting useful for losing weight?

I'm a 26 year old and I want to lose weight. I'm watching what I eat and trying to keep my portions small. Will calorie counting help?
Calorie counting can be an important part of any diet which is geared at losing weight. This is because calories consumed is the most critical part of the weight loss equation. No matter what type of diet you choose, the only way to lose weight is to consume less calories than you burn. By keeping track of those calories and eating smaller portions, you will be able to keep your calorie consumption below your calorie usage more accurately than if you were not keeping track. Plus calorie counting will help you understand the amount of extra calorie burning will need to be done to counter a high calorie meal. I suggest that you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. He or she can come up with a dietary plan together which can help you lose weight in the healthiest way possible with your own personal medical history in mind. I would also suggest that you place reasonable goals for weight loss in 2 to 3 month increments with planned visits with your doctor during those times to make sure that your dieting is going well. This way if your diet begins to give you problems, or stops working, a new strategy can be drawn up for your continued success at losing weight. Good luck.
Follow up with a local Primary Care Doctor:
Book an Appointment
Share This Answer
Need More Info?
See a Doctor Today
Who answers these questions?
Answers are written by doctors from top institutions:
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Harvard Medical Children's Hospital
  • NYU Langone Medical Center
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • Mass General Hospital
  • Beth Israel Medical Center
Top Browsed Cities
Show Disclaimer
Answers Disclaimer
This answer is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. Medical professionals who provide responses to health-related questions are intended third party beneficiaries with certain rights under ZocDoc’s Terms of Service.
Rocket Fuel