1. What is the Calorie Maintenance Equation?

The calorie maintenance equation estimates the number of calories a man needs to consume daily to maintain his current weight, based on his weight, height, age, and activity level. This is based on the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters
• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level

Activity Factors:

• 1.2 - Sedentary (little or no exercise)
• 1.375 - Lightly active (light exercise 1-3 days/week)
• 1.55 - Moderately active (moderate exercise 3-5 days/week)
• 1.725 - Very active (hard exercise 6-7 days/week)
• 1.9 - Extra active (very hard exercise & physical job)

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Knowing your maintenance calories helps with weight management - consuming more leads to weight gain, consuming less leads to weight loss. This is particularly useful for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those managing their weight.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is this equation specific to men?
A: Men and women have different metabolic rates due to differences in body composition. Women should use a different equation that accounts for their typically higher body fat percentage.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate for most people, but individual variations in metabolism can affect actual calorie needs by ±200 kcal/day.

Q3: Should I adjust my calories if I'm trying to gain or lose weight?
A: Yes, to lose weight, consume 300-500 kcal less than maintenance; to gain weight, consume 300-500 kcal more.

Q4: How often should I recalculate my maintenance calories?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (±5kg) or your activity level changes substantially.

Q5: Does this account for muscle mass?
A: Indirectly - more muscle increases basal metabolic rate, which is reflected in your total weight. For very muscular individuals, the estimate might be slightly low.