Calories

Calories are a measurement of energy. Your body needs a certain amount of energy each day. Energy comes from food in the form of calories. Calories let you function and do your daily activities. After your body meets its needs, it stores extra calories as fat.

Your weight stays steady when your body takes in the same number of calories that it burns. To lose weight, you have to use up more calories than you take in.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.