Help! Questions about the calorie targets

Hi all I was wondering if someone can help me understand the calorie targets.

On my account page it says my target calories number is 2350  but when I look at my weight loss target number it is 1750 to get to 130 by Aug 2011.  So which number do I aim for.  I see lots of  posts here about not eating enough and slowing down metabolism, so now I am confused.  I thought the 2350 was what I needed to eat to lose weight and that number would change as I did indeed lose weight.  Or am I wrong?

Also what is the deficit I keep reading about.  I assume its the difference in calories eaten to calories suggested... but which number?

Help

The deficit is the difference between how many calories you have burned at the end of the day (number in your burn meter) and the number of calories you have eaten that day (in your eat meter). To lose a lb a week you need a deficit of 500 calories a day since 500x7=3500 and a lb is 3500 calories.

If you are trying to lose weight you need to eat 500 to 1000 cals below your burn number, but not below 1200 calories if you are over 21, and now below 1500 if you are younger than 21.

I hope this helps!

I don't know your exact stats, but it appears that the 2350 is what you need to eat to maitain your present weight and that 1750 would be your calculated intake after subtracting the 500 calorie deficit needed to lose 1 lb per week.

Thank you both so much!! I was confusing all the numbers.  Trying to teach this old dog a new trick lol.   I am new to this site and new to this type of number system.   I think I have a grasp on it and I appreciate you both taking the time to help me !!! 

Karen  SW 317  CW 313 Lost - 4

Hurray!!!  Congrats on losing 4 lbs!!!  You're well on your way.