1. What is TDEE?

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) represents the total number of calories your body burns in a day, including basal metabolic rate (BMR) and calories burned through physical activity. It's a crucial metric for weight management, whether your goal is to lose, maintain, or gain weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation for females:

Where:

• \( weight \) — Body weight in kilograms (kg)
• \( height \) — Height in centimeters (cm)
• \( age \) — Age in years
• \( activity\ factor \) — Multiplier based on activity level (1.2-1.9)

Explanation: The equation first calculates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) - the calories your body needs at complete rest - then multiplies it by your activity level to estimate your total daily energy needs.

3. Importance of TDEE Calculation

Details: Knowing your TDEE is essential for effective weight management. To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than your TDEE; to gain weight, you need to consume more. For weight maintenance, your calorie intake should match your TDEE.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, and select your activity level based on your typical weekly exercise routine. For accurate results, use your most recent measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this TDEE calculator?
A: The Mifflin-St Jeor Equation is considered one of the most accurate formulas for estimating BMR, with an accuracy of about ±10% for most people when combined with appropriate activity multipliers.

Q2: Should I use my current weight or goal weight?
A: Always use your current weight for the most accurate TDEE calculation. Your TDEE will naturally adjust as your weight changes.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ kg), your activity level changes substantially, or every 3-6 months as part of regular health tracking.

Q4: What if my activity level varies day to day?
A: Choose the activity factor that best represents your average weekly activity. If you have highly variable activity, you might want to calculate different TDEEs for different days.

Q5: Why is this calculator specifically for females?
A: Women typically have different body composition and metabolic rates than men. This calculator uses the female-specific Mifflin-St Jeor equation which accounts for these physiological differences.