What is the term for a reduction in caloric intake leading to weight loss?

A reduction in caloric intake leading to weight loss is termed a caloric deficit. This occurs when the number of calories consumed is less than the number of calories the body expends for energy through basic metabolic processes and physical activity. When the body experiences a caloric deficit, it turns to stored fat for energy, which results in weight loss over time.

A caloric surplus would indicate a situation where caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure, typically leading to weight gain, which is not applicable here. Fasting, while it can lead to a caloric deficit if done over an extended period, specifically refers to the abstention from food for a certain timeframe and is not solely defined by caloric intake reduction. Nutritional deficiency relates to inadequate intake of essential nutrients rather than just the reduction of calories, which can occur even when caloric intake is low but not balanced in terms of nutrients.