1. What is the MyFitnessPal Calories Formula?

The MyFitnessPal calorie calculation estimates your daily calorie needs based on your basal metabolic rate (BMR), activity level, and desired calorie deficit for weight loss or maintenance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (calories your body needs at complete rest)
• \( Activity\ Factor \) — Multiplier based on your activity level (1.2-1.9)
• \( Deficit \) — Calorie reduction for weight loss (typically 500 calories/day for 1lb/week loss)

Explanation: The formula first calculates your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) by multiplying BMR by activity factor, then subtracts your desired deficit for weight loss.

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Accurate calorie calculation is crucial for weight management - whether your goal is weight loss, maintenance, or muscle gain. MyFitnessPal uses this approach to set personalized daily calorie targets.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR (from a BMR calculator), select your activity level, and specify your desired calorie deficit. For maintenance, set deficit to 0. For weight loss, typical deficits range from 250-1000 calories/day.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate but individual variations exist. Adjust based on your results over time.

Q2: What activity factor should I choose?
A: Be honest about your daily activity. Most office workers are "Lightly Active" at best unless they exercise regularly.

Q3: Is a larger deficit better for faster weight loss?
A: Not necessarily. Deficits >500-1000 calories/day can be difficult to maintain and may cause muscle loss.

Q4: Why does MyFitnessPal adjust my calories as I log exercise?
A: The app adds back some calories burned through exercise to your daily target, using the same formula.

Q5: How often should I recalculate my calories?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5-10 lbs) or your activity level changes substantially.