Question 1

What is TDEE?

Accepted Answer

TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. It is the total number of calories your body burns in a day, including your basal metabolic rate (BMR), physical activity, and the thermic effect of food. Knowing your TDEE helps you plan how much to eat for weight loss, maintenance, or muscle gain.

Question 2

What is BMR?

Accepted Answer

BMR stands for Basal Metabolic Rate. It is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest just to keep basic functions running, like breathing, circulation, and cell production. Your BMR typically accounts for 60-70% of your total daily calorie burn.

Question 3

How accurate is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?

Accepted Answer

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered the most accurate predictive BMR equation for most people, typically within 10% of measured values. It was developed in 1990 and is recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. However, individual variation exists, so treat your result as a starting point and adjust based on real-world results.

Question 4

How should I choose my activity level?

Accepted Answer

Sedentary: desk job with little exercise. Lightly Active: light exercise 1-3 days per week. Moderately Active: moderate exercise 3-5 days per week. Very Active: hard exercise 6-7 days per week. Extra Active: very intense exercise plus a physical job. When in doubt, choose one level lower than you think. Most people overestimate their activity level.

Question 5

How do I use my TDEE for weight loss?

Accepted Answer

To lose weight, eat fewer calories than your TDEE. A deficit of 500 calories per day leads to roughly 1 pound of weight loss per week. For example, if your TDEE is 2,500 calories, eating 2,000 calories daily should produce steady weight loss. Avoid going below 1,200 calories per day without medical supervision.

Question 6

Should I recalculate my TDEE as I lose weight?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As your body weight decreases, your BMR and TDEE decrease as well. Recalculate every 10-15 pounds of weight loss, or whenever you notice your progress has stalled. This is a normal part of the process, not a sign that something is wrong.

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