Why are calories so important for fat loss?. . Simply put, calories are THE most important thing to focus on it you want to lose fat. And that's not to say other things aren't important. It's just that calories matter most. . Burning more calories than you consume will lead to weight / fat loss. FACT. . I don't care if you do paleo, IIFYM, clean eating, intuitive eating, keto, or flexible dieting. It all boils down to the energy balance equation. And anyone that tells you different is a certifie