1. What is TDEE?

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is an estimate of how many calories you burn per day when exercise is taken into account. It's calculated by first estimating your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), then multiplying that value by an activity factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation for BMR and multiplies it by an activity factor:

Where BMR is calculated as:

• For men: \( BMR = 10 \times weight(kg) + 6.25 \times height(cm) - 5 \times age(y) + 5 \)
• For women: \( BMR = 10 \times weight(kg) + 6.25 \times height(cm) - 5 \times age(y) - 161 \)

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 TDEE Calculation

Details: Knowing your TDEE helps with weight management - consuming fewer calories than your TDEE leads to weight loss, while consuming more leads to weight gain.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good estimate for most people, but individual variations in metabolism can affect actual energy expenditure.

Q2: Should I eat less than my TDEE to lose weight?
A: Generally, consuming 500 kcal less than your TDEE per day leads to about 0.5kg weight loss per week.

Q3: Why does TDEE decrease with age?
A: Metabolism naturally slows with age due to loss of muscle mass and other physiological changes.

Q4: How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly or your activity level changes substantially.

Q5: Can I use this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: No, this calculator isn't designed for pregnant or breastfeeding women as their energy needs are different.