1. What is the Calorie Equation?

The calorie equation estimates your daily calorie needs for weight loss based on the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation with a 500 calorie deficit for steady weight loss (about 1 lb/week). This is a popular approach recommended on Reddit weight loss communities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters
• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( gender\_factor \) — +5 for men, -161 for women
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier for physical activity level

Explanation: The equation calculates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), adjusts for activity level, then subtracts 500 calories to create a deficit for weight loss.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Calculating your calorie needs is crucial for effective weight loss. A 500 calorie daily deficit typically leads to about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight loss per week, which is considered safe and sustainable.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, select your gender and activity level. For accurate results, use your current weight and be honest about your activity level.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why subtract 500 calories?
A: A 500 calorie daily deficit creates about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of weight loss per week, which is considered safe and sustainable.

Q2: What if I want to lose weight faster?
A: It's generally not recommended to create deficits larger than 500-1000 calories/day without medical supervision.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but individual metabolism can vary. Adjust based on your actual results.

Q4: Should I eat back exercise calories?
A: The activity factor already accounts for exercise. Don't eat back calories burned through additional exercise.

Q5: When should I recalculate my needs?
A: Recalculate every 5-10 kg of weight loss, as your calorie needs decrease with lower body weight.