08/22/2023
Calories in, calories out (CICO) goes beyond food and exercise: As this image shows, it accounts for all energy that comes in and out of your body.
People don’t gain weight “because hormones.” They might, however, gain weight because their hormones are impacting CICO.
Many people underestimate their calorie intake (they think they’re eating a lot less than they really are).
Changes in mood, hunger, and stress can cause subtle but impactful increases in food intake without a person noticing it.
Physiological changes like fluctuating hormones, poor sleep quality, and more can result in fewer calories burned during exercise and at rest.
Beyond food choices, the preparation method, overall balance of macronutrients, and individual microbiome can impact how many calories a person absorbs.