1. What is Total Daily Energy Expenditure?

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 multiplying your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by your activity factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the TDEE equation:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (kcal/day)
• \( activity\_factor \) — 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 fewer calories than your TDEE leads to weight loss, while consuming more leads to weight gain.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR in kcal/day (use a BMR calculator if unknown) and select your activity level. All values must be valid (BMR > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BMR and TDEE?
A: BMR is calories burned at complete rest, while TDEE includes all daily activities and exercise.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's an estimate. Individual variations in metabolism and activity can affect actual energy expenditure.

Q3: Should I use this for weight loss?
A: Yes, subtracting 500 kcal/day from your TDEE typically results in about 1 lb/week weight loss.

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

Q5: Why are there different activity factors?
A: Different activity levels burn different amounts of calories, so the multiplier adjusts for this.