1. What is Maintenance Calorie Calculation?

Maintenance calorie calculation estimates the number of calories a woman needs to consume daily to maintain her current weight, based on her basal metabolic rate (BMR) and activity level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation for women:

Where:

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

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 - Extra active (very hard exercise & physical job)

3. Importance of Maintenance Calorie Calculation

Details: Knowing your maintenance calories is essential for weight management, whether your goal is to lose, gain, or maintain weight. It provides a scientific basis for creating effective nutrition plans.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter accurate weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, and select your appropriate activity level. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use this specific equation for women?
A: The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered one of the most accurate formulas for estimating BMR and has been validated specifically for women.

Q2: How often should I recalculate my maintenance calories?
A: Recalculate every 4-6 weeks or whenever your weight changes significantly, as your calorie needs will change with your body composition.

Q3: What if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: This calculator is not designed for pregnant or breastfeeding women, who have different nutritional requirements. Consult with a healthcare provider.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Individual variations in metabolism, medical conditions, medications, and other factors can affect actual calorie needs. This provides an estimate.

Q5: Should I eat exactly my maintenance calories?
A: This is an estimate. You may need to adjust based on your individual response, goals, and how your body weight changes over time.