1. What is TDEE?

TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) represents the total number of calories you burn in a day, including your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and activity level. It's crucial for weight management and nutrition planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the TDEE equation:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (calories your body needs at complete rest)
• \( Activity\ Factor \) — Multiplier based on your daily activity level

Explanation: The equation accounts for your base metabolic needs plus additional calories burned through daily activities and exercise.

3. Importance of TDEE Calculation

Details: Knowing your TDEE helps with weight loss (eat below TDEE), maintenance (eat at TDEE), or weight gain (eat above TDEE). It's fundamental for any nutrition plan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR in calories and select your activity level. The activity factors are:

• Sedentary (1.2): Little or no exercise
• Lightly Active (1.375): Light exercise 1-3 days/week
• Moderately Active (1.55): Moderate exercise 3-5 days/week
• Very Active (1.725): Hard exercise 6-7 days/week
• Extremely Active (1.9): Very hard exercise and physical job

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my BMR?
A: Use a BMR calculator that considers your age, gender, weight, and height. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is commonly used.

Q2: Are the activity factors accurate?
A: They provide estimates. Individual variations exist based on exact activity intensity and duration.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ lbs) or your activity level changes substantially.

Q4: Does TDEE account for exercise calories?
A: Yes, through the activity factor. For more precision, some people track exercise calories separately.

Q5: Should I eat exactly my TDEE for maintenance?
A: Use it as a starting point and adjust based on actual weight changes over 2-4 weeks.