Author: Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington

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Is weight loss as simple as calories in, calories out? In the end, it’s your gut microbes and leftovers that make your calories count

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Is the adage “calories in, calories out” true? The short answer is yes, but the full story is more nuanced. From the moment food touches your tongue to the time it leaves your body, your digestive system and gut microbiome work to extract its nutrients. Enzymes in your mouth, stomach and small intestine break down food for absorption, while microbes in your large intestine digest the leftovers. “Calories in, calories out” refers to the concept that weight change is determined by the balance between the calories you consume and calories you expend. This includes not only the number of calories…

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