1. What is the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation?

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is a formula used to estimate Resting Energy Expenditure (REE), which represents the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain basic physiological functions. It is considered one of the most accurate equations for predicting REE in healthy individuals.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( s \) — Gender coefficient (5 for men, -161 for women)

Explanation: The equation calculates basal metabolic rate based on an individual's weight, height, age, and gender, providing an estimate of daily calorie needs at rest.

3. Importance of REE Calculation

Details: Accurate REE estimation is crucial for developing personalized nutrition plans, weight management strategies, and determining appropriate calorie intake for maintaining, losing, or gaining weight.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in centimeters, age in years, and select gender. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Mifflin-St Jeor instead of other equations?
A: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered one of the most accurate for predicting REE in healthy individuals, with better accuracy than older equations like Harris-Benedict.

Q2: What are typical REE values?
A: REE varies by age, gender, weight, and height. Typical values range from 1200-2000 kcal/day for adults, with men generally having higher values than women.

Q3: How does REE differ from total daily energy expenditure?
A: REE represents calories burned at rest, while total daily energy expenditure includes calories burned through physical activity and food digestion (thermic effect of food).

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The equation may be less accurate for extremely muscular individuals, those with very high or very low body fat percentages, and certain medical conditions affecting metabolism.

Q5: Should this be used for athletic populations?
A: While useful as a baseline, athletes may require additional adjustments based on their specific training intensity, duration, and muscle mass.