1. What is the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation?

The Mifflin-St Jeor equation is considered the most accurate for calculating basal metabolic rate (BMR) in healthy individuals. It estimates the number of calories your body needs at complete rest to maintain basic physiological functions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight in kilograms
• \( H \) — Height in centimeters
• \( A \) — Age in years
• \( S \) — Sex adjustment (+5 for men, -161 for women)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the fact that men typically have more muscle mass than women, which affects metabolic rate.

3. Importance of BMR Calculation

Details: Knowing your BMR helps determine your total daily energy needs and is essential for weight management, whether your goal is weight loss, maintenance, or gain.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your weight in kg, height in cm, age in years, and select your gender. For accurate results, measure your weight and height without clothes in the morning.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does BMR differ from TDEE?
A: BMR is calories burned at complete rest, while TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) includes all daily activities and exercise.

Q2: Why is BMR higher for men than women?
A: Men typically have more muscle mass and less body fat than women of the same weight, which increases metabolic rate.

Q3: How often should I recalculate my BMR?
A: Recalculate whenever your weight changes significantly (5+ kg) or at least every 6 months as metabolism changes with age.

Q4: Does this equation work for athletes?
A: While it provides a reasonable estimate, athletes with very high muscle mass may have slightly higher BMR than calculated.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's about 70% accurate for most people. For more precise measurement, consider indirect calorimetry.