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Weight Loss Timeline Formula:
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The Neonatal Weight Loss Calculator estimates the time required for an infant to lose a specific amount of weight based on their daily caloric deficit. It helps healthcare providers understand and predict weight loss patterns in newborns.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates how many days it would take to lose the specified weight given a consistent daily caloric deficit, based on the principle that 1 kg of body weight equals approximately 7700 kcal.
Details: Monitoring neonatal weight loss is crucial for assessing feeding adequacy, identifying potential health issues, and ensuring proper growth and development in the early postnatal period.
Tips: Enter the desired weight loss in kilograms and the daily caloric deficit in kcal/day. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is considered normal weight loss for newborns?
A: Most newborns lose 5-7% of birth weight in first few days, typically regaining birth weight by 10-14 days of age.
Q2: Why is 7700 kcal used in the calculation?
A: This represents the approximate energy equivalent of 1 kg of body weight (fat and lean tissue combined).
Q3: How is daily caloric deficit determined?
A: It's calculated by comparing the infant's actual intake with their estimated caloric requirements (typically 100-120 kcal/kg/day).
Q4: When should I be concerned about neonatal weight loss?
A: If weight loss exceeds 7-10% of birth weight, or if the infant isn't regaining weight by 2 weeks of age.
Q5: Does this calculator account for fluid losses?
A: No, this calculates theoretical weight loss from caloric deficit only. Actual weight changes may differ due to fluid shifts.