Question 1

What is BMR vs TDEE?

Accepted Answer

BMR is calories burned at complete rest; TDEE is total calories burned including daily physical activity.

Question 2

How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

Accepted Answer

To lose 1 lb (~0.45 kg) of fat per week, consume 500 calories below your maintenance TDEE daily.

Question 3

What is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?

Accepted Answer

The Mifflen-St Jeor formula is the gold-standard equation for estimating Basal Metabolic Rate.

Question 4

How does muscle mass impact daily calorie burn?

Accepted Answer

Lean muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, boosting your baseline BMR.

Question 5

What is TEF (Thermic Effect of Food)?

Accepted Answer

TEF represents the energy expended by your body to digest, absorb, and process nutrients (~10% of intake).

Question 6

Why do weight loss plateaus happen?

Accepted Answer

As body weight decreases, your TDEE naturally lowers, requiring recalculation of calorie targets.

Question 7

How many calories should I eat for muscle gain?

Accepted Answer

A moderate surplus of 250–500 calories above maintenance TDEE supports gradual lean muscle gain.

Question 8

Is calorie counting safe and sustainable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, calorie tracking provides quantitative awareness when combined with nutrient-dense whole foods.

Calorie & TDEE Calculator