Nutrition Statistics Database
Explore curated nutrition and calorie tracking statistics from research.
67%
of people underestimate calories
Studies show most people underestimate the calorie content of meals, especially at restaurants.
400
average daily calorie underestimation
The average person underestimates their daily calorie intake by 400 calories.
50%
more weight lost with consistent tracking
People who track food intake consistently lose 50% more weight than those who track sporadically.
40%
calorie undercount at restaurants
Restaurant meals contain an average of 40% more calories than what's listed on menus.
2x
portion sizes since 1970s
Average portion sizes have doubled since the 1970s, contributing to calorie creep.
15 min
window for accurate logging
Logging meals within 15 minutes of eating improves calorie estimation accuracy by 25%.
92%
accuracy with weighing food
Using a food scale improves portion accuracy to 92% compared to 60% with visual estimation.
300
extra calories from liquid intake
Most people forget to log beverages, missing an average of 300 calories daily from drinks.
23%
underestimate cooking oil calories
Home cooks underestimate calories from cooking oils and butter by an average of 23%.
3x
more likely to lose weight when tracking
People who track their food intake are three times more likely to successfully lose weight.
95%
of diets fail within 5 years
Most restrictive diets fail long-term. Sustainable tracking habits lead to better outcomes.
500
calorie deficit for 1 lb/week loss
A 500 calorie daily deficit typically results in about 1 pound of weight loss per week.
1-2 lbs
optimal weekly weight loss rate
Losing 1-2 pounds per week maximizes fat loss while preserving muscle mass.
25%
of weight loss is muscle without protein
Without adequate protein intake, up to 25% of weight lost can be muscle instead of fat.
15%
metabolic adaptation during dieting
Metabolism can slow by up to 15% during prolonged calorie restriction as the body adapts.
80%
of dieters regain weight within 1 year
Without sustainable habits, 80% of people regain lost weight within 12 months.
10%
body weight loss improves health markers
Losing just 10% of body weight significantly improves blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
200-300
fewer calories burned after weight loss
After significant weight loss, the body burns 200-300 fewer calories daily than predicted.
5 years
for metabolism to stabilize post-loss
It can take up to 5 years for metabolism to fully stabilize after major weight loss.
17%
greater success with accountability partner
Having an accountability partner increases weight loss success rate by 17%.
0.8-1g
protein per lb for muscle maintenance
To maintain muscle while losing weight, aim for 0.8-1g of protein per pound of body weight.
2,000
average daily calories for women
The FDA uses 2,000 calories as a general reference for women, though needs vary significantly.
2,500
average daily calories for men
The FDA uses 2,500 calories as a general reference for men, though needs vary significantly.
25-38g
daily fiber recommendation
Adults should consume 25-38g of fiber daily, but most Americans only get about 15g.
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