1. What is Calorie Maintenance?

The calorie maintenance calculation estimates the number of calories you need to consume daily to maintain your current weight, based on your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( BMR \) — Basal Metabolic Rate (calories burned at rest)
• \( Activity Factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level (1.2-1.9)

Activity Factors:

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

3. Importance of Calorie Calculation

Details: Knowing your maintenance calories is essential for weight management - to maintain, lose, or gain weight in a healthy manner.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your BMR in kcal/day and select your activity level. For accurate results, use a recent BMR measurement or calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate my BMR?
A: BMR can be calculated using formulas like Mifflin-St Jeor or Harris-Benedict, or measured via metabolic testing.

Q2: Why are activity factors important?
A: They account for calories burned through daily activities and exercise beyond your basal metabolic rate.

Q3: How often should I recalculate?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (±10 lbs) or your activity level changes substantially.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Individual variations in metabolism, body composition, and NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) can affect actual calorie needs.

Q5: Should I adjust for weight goals?
A: Yes, subtract 250-500 kcal/day for weight loss or add 250-500 kcal/day for weight gain, adjusting as needed.