Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab November 2017 PMID 28765272

"Calories in, calories out" and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories.

Scott Howell, Richard Kones

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Mentions

145
Peak: 6 in May 2024
across 6 sources since Oct 2018

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1,760,120
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Oct 2018 – Sep 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Many participants referenced specific studies and personal anecdotes, such as one user sharing their long-term weight loss success while adhering to caloric deficit principles. Phrases like "trust the science" and "basic physics" illustrate a strong reliance on scientific reasoning, reinforcing the article's main points. The tone ranges from supportive to confrontational, reflecting a deep investment in the topic.

AgreementModerate agreement

Many discussions align with the article's assertion that calorie intake is crucial for weight management and obesity risk.

InterestHigh interest

Users exhibit high curiosity about caloric science and related studies, indicating that the topic resonates with them.

EngagementHigh engagement

Several contributors engage deeply with the material, sharing studies and personal experiences that reflect their understanding and analysis of the article.

ImpactHigh impact

The discussions suggest that the publication is viewed as significantly impactful, with users discussing its implications for diet and weight loss.

Abstract in brief

  • The text discusses the significance of caloric restriction in obesity prevention and management, highlighting the "calories in, calories out" model for understanding energy balance.
  • It explores the carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis, which claims that reducing carbohydrates can allow for higher fat intake without weight gain, but notes that this view is contentious and not widely supported by evidence.
  • The article ultimately concludes that the primary determinant of obesity risk is total calorie intake rather than the specific macronutrient composition of the diet.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Jay D. Cartere
@JayCartere · X

Read this study regarding basic calorie science: https://t.co/2IVFgMdMvv Or…keep coping and blaming “fatphobia” Lmao - imagine me being scared of some fat niggas

Jun 20, 2023 · 14 likes · 15,796 followers View post →
Ghaïs Guelaïa
@GeekNfit · X

"Oui mais c'est la prise de glucides en particulier qui cause l'accumulation de gras" Non. Arrêtons avec ça. Le consensus scientifique c'est que le total calorique détermine la prise de masse grasse, peu importe la composition des macronutriments. 5/8 https://t.co/sagx6pwIaW

Sep 28, 2022 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 12,945 followers View post →
Denís Estévez - Dietista
@denis_dietista · X

A ver que os parece... Revisión sobre CICO si o no. Referencias interesantes https://t.co/nVWeIL2uyz

Feb 25, 2019 · 6 likes · 2,444 followers View post →
Sara
@GlacialisFlamma · X

@TheBasedTS @akabeth10 If you're actually interested here are a couple articles on the subject. https://t.co/qVEOsPaULC https://t.co/VxbCT2WhHi

Sep 21, 2023 · 2 likes · 14 followers View post →
father stretch my bandz
@MILKANDH3NNY · X

If need be https://t.co/adLqx2TOg3

Sep 6, 2023 · 1 like · 6,463 followers View post →
Jesse Cook
@SleepAndSports · X

Huge fan of this paper. We definitely know CAL in ~= CAL out. We definitely know overweight/obesity have reserves that can be tapped into when not stimulating CHO-insulin system. Yet, how much decrease from energy expenditure is healthy for maintenance? https://t.co/n7XsUOSP9P

Nov 14, 2021 · 1 like · 3,574 followers View post →

All mentions

حسام
@logic_167 · X

@AliALJabri3852 @Abuseef2021 @SaudiNews50 ترا مو كل نزول في الوزن يعني دهونك نزلت ممكن كان عندك إحتباس سوائل وهذا ممكن يفرق بين شخص وشخص،لكن المثبت علمياً ان زيادة الدهون او نقصان الدهون بسبب السعرات بشكل مباشر. المصدر : المكتبة الوطنية للطب . https://t.co/nFZKKB4s0z https://t.co/OIsfzF3Jdw

Aug 20, 2025 View post →
Will
@wday27.bsky.social · Bluesky

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28765272/ www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... I don't really want to go back and forth on this any further but I'd also add that I lost weight, have kept it off in the long term, and don't feel hungry all the time.

Jun 26, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Raymond Moore
@RayMooreII · X

@Mimid2023 @noonebutelon @TheMFingCOO https://t.co/aZ2uL1REcU , https://t.co/6SOGIXZhYM

Jun 11, 2025 · 611 followers View post →
Milton Carper Monkey
@MiltonFreeMonky · X

@JoeFren64591309 @LuvOneAnother7 @kbo_coyote @JDVanceNewsX https://t.co/xNCu2MpGmk

Mar 4, 2025 · 53 followers View post →
1 lot warrior
@quantabolics · X

@BlackSwan_ptf @Notbullnorbear you provide your medical study backing up what you say and ill provide mine. Rules, no .com websites, pubmed articles also good, nothing paywalled. Ill go first https://t.co/OgAGYG2idP https://t.co/0sPA1E81PD https://t.co/9dR7zU66Lx Ur turn, if u dont make more excuses

Jun 19, 2024 · 1 like · 191 followers View post →
Abyssal Aristocrat
@AbyssalTsundere · X

@thextremistbabe You are arguing against basic physics. https://t.co/Pd7fUAEfjN

Jun 18, 2024 · 1,224 followers View post →
ᴏᴘɪᴜᴍ ᴀɴɢᴇʟ
@vampiremaxxing · X

@igeshka1 @letyourminddie @tannyshanny Ну и на десерт, жирочек вместо углеводов помогает худеть согласно некоторым гипотезам: https://t.co/mB4NhTnWa8

Jun 18, 2024 · 3,232 followers View post →
Alec Carter
@ACarter867 · X

@SkiersRight @fantaswriter87 @MattWalshBlog I’m not buying a book. How about you start here: https://t.co/Xih4VGEcc9

Jun 4, 2024 · 242 followers View post →
Greg Riles
@melonsoldier · X

@HellDolly666 @KatyNewf @MattWalshBlog Trust the science. calorie deficit = weight loss https://t.co/FSEM2RqqBF

Jun 3, 2024 · 293 followers View post →
RÈBELs RÄÎDÈRs
@Rebels_Raiders · X

@HankyZetts @M_W_Brandt @sentinel_actual @libenterdiscere @robertlufkinmd https://t.co/ab0fZsC3zE https://t.co/WYvy3RuSGV… https://t.co/Lz652JqKCf https://t.co/YTnyi6WusW Post up

May 29, 2024 · 15,162 followers View post →
RÈBELs RÄÎDÈRs
@Rebels_Raiders · X

@M_W_Brandt @HankyZetts @sentinel_actual @libenterdiscere @robertlufkinmd What app? I sell tactical gear. I recommend MyFitnessPal since I use it. They don’t even know I exist. As far as studies go? https://t.co/ab0fZsC3zE https://t.co/WYvy3RuSGV… https://t.co/Lz652JqKCf https://t.co/YTnyi6WusW Enjoy

May 29, 2024 · 15,162 followers View post →
RÈBELs RÄÎDÈRs
@Rebels_Raiders · X

@Veritas86511 @H2CO3_iOS @robertlufkinmd Post studies https://t.co/ab0fZsCBpc https://t.co/WYvy3Rvqwt… https://t.co/Lz652JrirN https://t.co/YTnyi6X2iu

May 29, 2024 · 15,162 followers View post →
Jawad El Haout
@DrJawad89 · X

@CounterTyrannyX @bizzeman @Rebels_Raiders @TaintedSaint2 @robertlufkinmd https://t.co/rE0P7Oi5ug https://t.co/moHbTI3Nbc https://t.co/y0vrQZFATk https://t.co/FElt39owo8 Thank you for passing by.

May 29, 2024 · 251 followers View post →
Dan Skjolden
@1PTDan · X

@talmaron @OleAsbjoernNess Du diskuterer med en som i sin tid skrev bacheloroppgaven sin i et forsøk på å «bevise» at lavkarbo var veien til vektnedgang og helse. Tar gjerne en videosamtale om hva som har fått meg vekk fra at det er _eneste_ veien,eller den beste veien for alle

May 15, 2024 · 264 followers View post →
Ublala Pung
@pentestingnoot · X

@liminal_warmth you have to be pretty conscientious to be a vegan so i buy this also this says carbs replacing fats is no worse and calorie restriction is what matters, but i only skimmed the abstract https://t.co/IKT88UxFdZ

Apr 13, 2024 · 75 followers View post →
AB Shaheen
@ABShaheen115 · X

@scribblesscript @_celia_bedelia_ https://t.co/ATzSNCF1P0 https://t.co/apIRYQ6qMl Here are 2 with the second using a conclusion from a meta analysis that in fact calorie restriction does work. For good faith when I have time today I’ll dig in to what you posted

Feb 9, 2024 · 230 followers View post →
Michael Virgilio
@mikevfitness · X

References : https://t.co/FRSvPxcjkJ https://t.co/Az0cV6QUzr https://t.co/Kmy1txK4i7 https://t.co/Lh8ukUfqmM https://t.co/g98rqBhrIN https://t.co/USkxW9d5zZ https://t.co/WnpzZFVFXk https://t.co/lukWtMMgOl https://t.co/OgYvKt36ae https://t.co/o67JWn2sHT

Jan 24, 2024 · 4 followers View post →
Simon Rohde Nielsen
@simseen · X

@LKfugl Nej, læs blandt andet denne fra pubmed. Spiser du i et kalorieoverskud, så vil du tage på. Uanset om det er i "sundt" eller "usundt" mad. "Sundt" mad vil muligvis bidrage med en masse positive ting i form for bedre energi etc. https://t.co/9Ee8m2l19h https://t.co/E8LKzVZoBI

Dec 20, 2023 · 1,317 followers View post →
State of the Pirates
@makedowdyrowdy · X

@GirlOnFireSally @Caseyag1 @FutureTds @elonmusk @stevenmackeyman @Walmart Here are some peer reviewed studies on CICO and why it is physically impossible to eat more than you burn and lose weight. https://t.co/2HumsCmExF

Oct 6, 2023 · 958 followers View post →
Sara
@GlacialisFlamma · X

@TheBasedTS @akabeth10 If you're actually interested here are a couple articles on the subject. https://t.co/qVEOsPaULC https://t.co/VxbCT2WhHi

Sep 21, 2023 · 2 likes · 14 followers View post →
father stretch my bandz
@MILKANDH3NNY · X

If need be https://t.co/adLqx2TOg3

Sep 6, 2023 · 1 like · 6,463 followers View post →
Jay D. Cartere
@JayCartere · X

Read this study regarding basic calorie science: https://t.co/2IVFgMdMvv Or…keep coping and blaming “fatphobia” Lmao - imagine me being scared of some fat niggas

Jun 20, 2023 · 14 likes · 15,796 followers View post →
Spoonmebro
@spoonmebro · X

@italianflava83 @schizoidtakes @TheSouljxh @johni_sweeney @Underrated_Dom @DailyLoud https://t.co/5BCDd2WuJI https://t.co/DDRHEd8BqF https://t.co/88XiG539Sd.

Apr 16, 2023 · 1 like · 26 followers View post →
Shit Poster
@ShitPos94685617 · X

@senzapauraCR @crhoycom https://t.co/N0X6gcZliY Aquí le paso una investigación. No es complicado. Las calorías consumidas adicionales a su gasto energético se conservan como grasa. 2+2=4 https://t.co/euIGD5HvAD

Apr 9, 2023 · 34 followers View post →
Dixie Normus
@thatDixieNormus · X

@brandi_love @TrustedTrevor Unless you have some outstanding metabolic dysfunction The MAJORITY of people would lose weight on all carbs at the same caloric number https://t.co/uz9T5yzihx

Nov 11, 2022 · 110 followers View post →
Cillian O'Connor
@CillianOConnor1 · X

@BiggestComeback Sure.

Nov 8, 2022 · 266 followers View post →
Quoxz
@Quoxzx · X

@OMGFR3DDY @gcook45457135 @itsjxrmo @Blu130 @JoeMGeorge95 @KSI https://t.co/u2If7GyoM8 https://t.co/ZsiI4nx56F https://t.co/SBiEQ5FfOf

Sep 30, 2022 · 49 followers View post →
CainHeleverok
@CainHeleverok · X

RT @GeekNfit: "Oui mais c'est la prise de glucides en particulier qui cause l'accumulation de gras" Non. Arrêtons avec ça. Le consensus sci…

Sep 28, 2022 · 2 shares · 1,401 followers View post →
Rick
@buzzastley · X

RT @GeekNfit: "Oui mais c'est la prise de glucides en particulier qui cause l'accumulation de gras" Non. Arrêtons avec ça. Le consensus sci…

Sep 28, 2022 · 2 shares · 96 followers View post →
Ghaïs Guelaïa
@GeekNfit · X

"Oui mais c'est la prise de glucides en particulier qui cause l'accumulation de gras" Non. Arrêtons avec ça. Le consensus scientifique c'est que le total calorique détermine la prise de masse grasse, peu importe la composition des macronutriments. 5/8 https://t.co/sagx6pwIaW

Sep 28, 2022 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 12,945 followers View post →
OptimOZ.com.au
@OptimOZ · X

“Calories in, calories out” and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories https://t.co/6rUZOp0roa https://t.co/bQX8Eu6zOM

Sep 27, 2022 · 474 followers View post →
weighing
@uolvu · X

“Calories in, calories out” and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories | American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism https://t.co/WShTGdSPRG

Aug 30, 2022 · 1,011 followers View post →
RR
@UR0qq · X

@mauricev @JRTateAuthor @yeganehali87 https://t.co/JjZbxBA2ga https://t.co/ML6to0nF0H

Jul 23, 2022 · 43 followers View post →
Sean
@heyimseannn · X

@Elennar_Linwen @InspiringEntrep @LizzieCosmos https://t.co/O3mtgDQ6Vp Hopefully we can remove these myths such as “carbs are bad” from the fitness industry so future generations can be more informed!

Jun 18, 2022 · 189 followers View post →
Imrachira
@reiiyko · X

@ChachaDeLilla @NanassChevelu https://t.co/9ggNksG1Gf

Jun 13, 2022 · 33 followers View post →
Beatrice Venders
@BeatriceVenders · X

@briangerard13 @LA_LaVilla @JamesRaxz Here you go, sugartits. And added pictures! https://t.co/bXP8x4ViHu https://t.co/c1tH7BxMsr https://t.co/mKwIGTrWEN https://t.co/Z4kTaCrYzF

Jun 5, 2022 · 661 followers View post →
shark.chaser
@shark_chaser · X

Super fascinating to see how a “large amount of fat intake is enabled without weight gain!” This will help dieticians, physical therapists, as well as myself whenever I am cooking. https://t.co/YWZaEqxseZ #BIOL2300_002_assignments

Feb 19, 2022 · 1 like · 2 followers View post →
Dustfuch
@Dustfuch1 · X

@antonio12390 @Diamond8618 @BigMassiveRo Its not my definition. Its a scientific definition, its Thermodynamics, if you have sources that go against that id be happy to read them. Here's one of the main studies on calories along with sources. https://t.co/yWpBGPv3ah

Feb 12, 2022 · 105 followers View post →
Drew Baye High Intensity Training
@BayeDrew · X

Howell S, Kones R. “Calories in, calories out” and macronutrient intake: the hope, hype, and science of calories. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2017;313(5):E608-E612. https://t.co/kAYOfgRKX2

Dec 5, 2021 · 12,047 followers View post →
Jesse Cook
@SleepAndSports · X

Huge fan of this paper. We definitely know CAL in ~= CAL out. We definitely know overweight/obesity have reserves that can be tapped into when not stimulating CHO-insulin system. Yet, how much decrease from energy expenditure is healthy for maintenance? https://t.co/n7XsUOSP9P

Nov 14, 2021 · 1 like · 3,574 followers View post →
Suncle Izwan
@izwanshahmin · X

@fz_ndy Here one of the papers for your reference. https://t.co/uNRPCYfxWu

Oct 9, 2021 · 8,547 followers View post →
@realBobBruley
@realBobBruley · X

@ClaytoDiogenes @TravisWidmann @dschorno In my experience CICO works if you actually do it. People are bad at doing it (in fairness it's hard) and good at lying to themselves about it. (Your 400lb wife "worked out", huh?) If you don't believe me take it up with the APS journal. I'm done. https://t.co/o9gb032tHM https://t.co/8IhSXQB133

Sep 6, 2021 · 135 followers View post →
Evan
@evannn_n · X

@scib0rg @sktea @beechwoodlove @bobblegumbxtch @bi_enby @LegendaryZED @CTruthHurts Glad you finally asked. https://t.co/9oBqAEqi2P https://t.co/WwVhELAh0Z https://t.co/TdzIU7RqwC https://t.co/AWBTByDI2F

Aug 14, 2021 · 123 followers View post →
mery
@meryzepam · X

@_Boobitchcraft_ Pues eso, calorías extra y fisiología - más fuentes: https://t.co/QyjXgdakt8

Jul 2, 2021 · 1,063 followers View post →
jordan
@baldgoorilla · X

@OutlawCharters @omgmattyg @WorldofIsaac start with learning about TDEE and CICO. here’s a good place to begin https://t.co/CvUPVFlCW4

May 29, 2021 · 3 followers View post →
Adewale Adetugbo
@aadetugbo · X

@AffiSupaStar Ok found it here https://t.co/kE2tQJZlhT adding @TheIgboBandit01 since he has been exposed as a hardened calorie counter watching those macros as he lifts

Mar 12, 2021 · 5,659 followers View post →
Olutomide
@OluAdeoYe1 · X

@aadetugbo @AffiSupaStar This review covers all the arguments and RCTs on calories and weight gain https://t.co/mS39qWPmbc?

Mar 12, 2021 · 1 like · 339 followers View post →
Bhopender Thakur
@TheBhupiThakur · X

RT @profmikegleeson: @grahamsphillips @JasonHarmer702 @EveSimmns @jamescracknell @thehealthdaddy @drjasonfung @carbdodging @FructoseNo @drt…

Dec 27, 2020 · 1 share · 1,365 followers View post →
Bhopender Thakur
@TheBhupiThakur · X

RT @profmikegleeson: @Mat_Hunt @CampbellMurdoch @EveSimmns @jamescracknell Is it? I would say the key component for weight loss is the size…

Dec 23, 2020 · 1 share · 1,365 followers View post →
Tom
@Tom50832094 · X

#fall2020lifespan1 https://t.co/zjhJdQv2RR

Nov 10, 2020 · 1 like View post →
professormichaelgleeson
@profmikegleeson · X

@grahamsphillips @JasonHarmer702 @EveSimmns @jamescracknell @thehealthdaddy @drjasonfung @carbdodging @FructoseNo @drtroystapleton @lowcarbGP @DrAseemMalhotra @tom_watson Weight gain/loss is not primarily determined by varying proportions of carbs & fat in the diet, but instead by the number of calories ingested. Changes in EE, which metabolic pathways used & other considerations are modest compared with caloric intake: https://t.co/SqOYV7Xzqy

Sep 29, 2020 · 1 share · 2,452 followers View post →
professormichaelgleeson
@profmikegleeson · X

@Mat_Hunt @CampbellMurdoch @EveSimmns @jamescracknell Is it? I would say the key component for weight loss is the size of the calorie deficit. Changes in EE, which metabolic pathways are used and other considerations are quite modest when compared with caloric intake. https://t.co/SqOYV7Xzqy

Sep 29, 2020 · 1 share · 2,452 followers View post →
Gregg S Mallett, PhD(c), ATC
@mallett_gregg · X

@lowcarbkatie @ProfTimNoakes I recommend reading this paper by Howell et al. It is basic presentation and my undergraduate nutrition students understand it. Keep in mind, you made an unsubstantiated claim, so the burden is on you to provide the evidence. https://t.co/PNWqFc1alf

Jul 27, 2020 · 5 followers View post →
Jae Rosario
@thoughtsbyjae_ · X

RT @mrcogfit: @MarkBski @CakeNutrition Here are a few studies.... because I doubt you actually read science but want to bring it up. https…

Jun 12, 2020 · 1 share · 2,100 followers View post →
Jae Rosario
@thoughtsbyjae_ · X

@MarkBski @CakeNutrition Here are a few studies.... because I doubt you actually read science but want to bring it up. https://t.co/XfJHgtZTFV https://t.co/Udo9Uhhhof https://t.co/HKPfVNy96C https://t.co/QWDHJuHSae https://t.co/Ln0EML6FaM

Jun 12, 2020 · 1 share · 2,100 followers View post →
Jae Rosario
@thoughtsbyjae_ · X

@DoctorTro https://t.co/XfJHgtZTFV https://t.co/QWDHJuHSae https://t.co/DB9XOYjFXc https://t.co/MzTUeQQY4b https://t.co/2GHmhN1NEF

May 14, 2020 · 1 like · 2,100 followers View post →
Benjamin R. Holmes
@benjaminrholmes · X

@patrick_kuehner @willnewton @nietito10_ @LOWCARB_TOOLBOX @BioLayne This paper discusses the topic closer to the truth and is more recent as well. https://t.co/dxNs5Khllg https://t.co/KoDD8pPqVC

Nov 30, 2019 · 261 followers View post →
All-American Barbarian
@citizen_brad · X

@11daddyjack @Matt_S_Stephens @MitchHeaslip https://t.co/9PrGTPBcpj Here’s one study but as I said there are many. Eat what you like, don’t eat too much of it, live long and prosper

Sep 25, 2019 · 267 followers View post →
Fraser Scott
@FJScott3 · X

@TheExpatterson @sheneverwrites @CR_UK https://t.co/RG3IMezkh7

Jul 3, 2019 · 448 followers View post →
Denís Estévez - Dietista
@denis_dietista · X

@Nutrirojo @Somatotropina2 Que os parece esta revisión? Tiene alguna referencia interesante. Abro debate @Jappy_octopus @EstebanDL @RubenMurciaPrie Si os apetece comentar este estudio https://t.co/nVWeIL2uyz

Feb 25, 2019 · 1 like · 2,444 followers View post →
Denís Estévez - Dietista
@denis_dietista · X

A ver que os parece... Revisión sobre CICO si o no. Referencias interesantes https://t.co/nVWeIL2uyz

Feb 25, 2019 · 6 likes · 2,444 followers View post →