1. What is TDEE?

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) is the total number of calories you burn in a day, including basal metabolic rate (BMR) and activity. It's used to estimate calorie needs for weight maintenance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the NHS-recommended equation:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (calories burned at rest)
• \( activity\_factor \) — 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 TDEE Calculation

Details: Knowing your TDEE helps with weight management - consuming more leads to weight gain, consuming less leads to weight loss. NHS recommends this method for estimating calorie needs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR (from a BMR calculator) and select your activity level based on NHS guidelines. 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 based on NHS guidelines, but individual variations exist due to metabolism, body composition, and other factors.

Q2: Should I use TDEE for weight loss?
A: Yes, NHS recommends consuming 500kcal less than your TDEE for safe weight loss (about 0.5kg per week).

Q3: How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
A: Recalculate if your weight changes significantly (±5kg) or your activity level changes substantially.

Q4: Does this account for exercise calories?
A: The activity factor includes general exercise. For precise tracking, you may need additional adjustments.

Q5: What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
A: BMR is calories burned at complete rest, while TDEE includes all daily activities and exercise.