Question 1

How does the calorie calculator work?

Accepted Answer

It first computes your BMR using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then multiplies it by your activity level factor to arrive at a maintenance calorie target. Subtracting 500 kcal/day yields about 1 lb weekly loss; adding 500 kcal/day supports about 1 lb weekly gain.

Question 2

How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

Accepted Answer

A common starting point is your maintenance calories minus 500 per day, which creates a weekly deficit of roughly 3,500 kcal or about one pound of fat loss. Going below 1,200 (women) or 1,500 (men) calories daily without medical supervision is not recommended.

Question 3

What activity level should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Pick the setting that matches your typical week. Sedentary means desk job with little exercise. Light is 1-3 days of mild activity. Moderate is 3-5 days. Very active is 6-7 days of hard exercise. Extra active covers physical jobs plus daily training.

Question 4

Why does my calorie estimate seem high or low?

Accepted Answer

Individual metabolisms vary due to genetics, muscle mass, hormones, and daily habits. The calculator gives a population-average starting point. Track your actual intake and weight for two weeks and adjust the estimate up or down to fit your real data.

Question 5

Should I count calories every day?

Accepted Answer

Counting can build awareness of portion sizes and eating patterns, which is valuable early on. Over time you can shift to intuitive eating using the habits you learned, particularly if you weigh yourself periodically to catch unintended drift.

Calorie Calculator

How to Use the Calorie Calculator

Formula Used

Frequently asked questions

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