1. What Is Daily Caloric Expenditure?

Daily caloric expenditure represents the total number of calories your body burns in a day, including your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and calories burned through physical activity. Understanding this value is essential for weight management and nutritional planning.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to estimate BMR and multiplies it by an activity factor:

Where BMR is calculated as:

• For men: \( \text{BMR} = (10 \times \text{weight}) + (6.25 \times \text{height}) - (5 \times \text{age}) + 5 \)
• For women: \( \text{BMR} = (10 \times \text{weight}) + (6.25 \times \text{height}) - (5 \times \text{age}) - 161 \)

Activity Factors:

• Sedentary (little or no exercise): 1.2
• Lightly active (light exercise 1-3 days/week): 1.375
• Moderately active (moderate exercise 3-5 days/week): 1.55
• Very active (hard exercise 6-7 days/week): 1.725
• Extra active (very hard exercise, physical job): 1.9

3. Importance Of Caloric Expenditure Calculation

Details: Knowing your daily caloric expenditure helps you create effective weight management strategies, whether your goal is to lose, maintain, or gain weight. It provides a scientific basis for determining appropriate calorie intake.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms, height in centimeters, age in years, select your gender, and choose the activity level that best describes your weekly exercise routine. 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 currently considered the most accurate for estimating BMR in healthy individuals.

Q2: How often should I recalculate my caloric expenditure?
A: You should recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ kg) or your activity level changes substantially.

Q3: Is this calculation accurate for athletes?
A: While it provides a good estimate, highly trained athletes may have different metabolic rates and may require more specialized assessment.

Q4: What if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: These equations are not designed for pregnancy or lactation. Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate nutritional guidance during these periods.

Q5: How accurate are these estimates?
A: These estimates are generally within 10% of actual expenditure for most people, but individual variations exist due to factors like genetics, body composition, and hormone levels.