Body mass index, basal metabolic rate, and daily calorie needs in one tool. Uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (most accurate for general population).
-calories per day (TDEE)
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BMI
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BMR (resting)
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Lose 1 lb/wk
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Gain 1 lb/wk
What these numbers mean
BMI: Body mass index. Under 18.5 is underweight, 18.5-24.9 is healthy, 25-29.9 is overweight, 30+ is obese. BMI ignores muscle mass - athletes often score "overweight" while being lean.
BMR: Calories your body burns at complete rest just to stay alive (breathing, brain, organs). Mifflin-St Jeor formula.
TDEE: Total Daily Energy Expenditure - BMR + activity. This is the calorie level you maintain weight at.
Weight loss: 500-calorie daily deficit = ~1 lb/week loss. Don't go below 1,200 cal/day (women) or 1,500 (men) without medical supervision.