1. What is TDEE?

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories you burn in a day, accounting for your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity level. It's crucial for weight management and nutritional planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the TDEE equation:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (calories burned at rest)
• \( activity\_factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level:
  • 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)

Explanation: The equation accounts for your base metabolic needs multiplied by your activity level to estimate total daily calorie expenditure.

3. Importance of TDEE Calculation

Details: Knowing your TDEE helps with weight management - consuming more than TDEE leads to weight gain, consuming less leads to weight loss, and matching TDEE maintains weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR in kcal/day and select your activity level. For accurate results, use a recent BMR measurement or calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is BMR different from TDEE?
A: BMR is calories burned at complete rest, while TDEE includes all daily activities and exercise.

Q2: How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ lbs) or your activity level changes substantially.

Q3: Are the activity factors accurate for everyone?
A: They're estimates. Individual variations exist based on metabolism, body composition, and exercise intensity.

Q4: Should I eat exactly my TDEE to maintain weight?
A: TDEE is an estimate. Monitor your weight over time and adjust as needed based on your goals.

Q5: How can I measure my BMR accurately?
A: The most accurate methods are indirect calorimetry or metabolic testing, but formulas like Harris-Benedict can provide estimates.