BellaOnline Forums Education Biology What Are Calories? You May Be Surprised!

There's a new article up on the Biology Site: What Are Calories?

There's always a lot of talk about calories, especially when speaking in terms of weight loss. How many calories are too many? Does it matter what type of calories we consume? But, do most people really understand exactly what a calorie is and how calories work?

Check out the article, then come on back here and let's discuss it!

Sabira,

The number of calories our cells burn to function well can be complicated. The number is different for each person, depending on height, weight, gender, age and activity level.

Three primary factors are involved in calculating how many calories your body needs per day:

* Basal metabolic rate
* Physical activity
* Thermic effect of food

Not sure if this answers your question. Hmmm.. perhaps I need to write an article about this!