Calories in food supply our bodies with essential energy needed to sustain life. All of the cells in our body need the energy to carry out their specific tasks. The number of calories you burn on a daily basis can be influenced by various factors including gender, height, weight, activity level, and age.
Prediction equations are used to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) – the amount of calories you burn at rest. Diets that remove calories in order to lose weight (referred to as hypocaloric diets) typically aim at reducing daily energy intake by 500–750 kcal in order to cause weight loss. This means you calculate your REE and then subtract approximately 500 kcal in order to lose weight.
This energy restriction is usually achieved by diets of 1200–1500 kcal/day for females and 1500–1800 kcal/day for males [Koliaki et al 2018].
However, weight loss is not this simple for every person.
Which calorie calculator should I use if I am obese?
There isn’t a prediction equation that provides accurate and precise resting energy expenditure (REE) estimates in obese adults. The best equation is the Mifflin equation if your BMI is 30+. [Madden, Mulrooney and Shah 2016].
Can I take away?
Maths
Prediction equations are used to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE).
500 calories
As a rough guide you take about 500 calories off your REE to loose 1 pound or 0.45kg per week.
Does the science weigh up?
Green Flag
Meta analysis and systematic reviews are available on the calorie calculators.
Slightly Stinky
Calorie calculators are free, non-invasive and easy to use. Some calorie calculators will be more accurate than others.
