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CalculatedBody.com

TEE Calculator

Physical Activity Level (PAL) = 1.2

Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) Calculator

Discover Your Daily Caloric Needs

Curious about how many calories your body burns each day? Our TEE Calculator offers valuable insights into your energy expenditure, considering your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and activity level.

Important Note on Applicability

This calculator is designed for both men and women. The formulas used have been validated for use in both sexes, providing accurate estimates of energy expenditure in most situations.

About the Formulas

This calculator uses three well-established formulas for estimating BMR:

  1. Mifflin-St Jeor Equation: Published in 1990, this formula is considered more accurate for the current population, especially in individuals with higher body mass indexes.
  2. Harris-Benedict Equation: Developed in 1918 and revised in 1984, this classic formula is widely used in nutritional assessment.
  3. Katch-McArdle Formula: This formula takes into account lean body mass, making it particularly useful for individuals with lower body fat percentages.

What This Calculator Does

Using your input and the selected formula, this tool estimates:

  • Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
  • Your Total Energy Expenditure (TEE)

How It Works

The calculator considers:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Activity level
  • Body fat percentage (optional, required for Katch-McArdle formula)

These factors help predict your BMR and TEE based on your individual characteristics and lifestyle.

Understanding Your Results

The calculator provides two key pieces of information:

  1. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain basic life functions.

  2. Total Energy Expenditure (TEE): Your total daily calorie burn, including BMR and all activities.

Both BMR and TEE are provided in kilocalories (kcal) and kilojoules (kJ).

Your individual results may vary based on factors such as genetics, body composition, and specific daily activities.

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter your age and select your gender
  2. Choose your preferred unit system (metric or imperial)
  3. Input your height and current weight
  4. Select your activity level from the dropdown menu
  5. Choose your preferred BMR calculation formula
  6. If using the Katch-McArdle formula, enter your body fat percentage
  7. Click "Calculate" to see your results

Tips for Accurate Measurements

  • Weigh yourself in the morning before eating or drinking
  • Measure height without shoes, standing straight against a wall
  • For body fat percentage, use a reliable method such as DEXA scan, hydrostatic weighing, or a professional skinfold caliper measurement.

Considerations and Limitations

  • This calculator provides estimates based on statistical averages. Individual results may vary.
  • The Katch-McArdle formula requires an accurate body fat percentage for best results.
  • Activity level significantly impacts TEE. Be honest about your actual activity level for accurate results.
  • These calculations may be less accurate for pregnant or lactating women, elite athletes, or individuals with certain medical conditions.
  • The calculator doesn't account for factors like specific dietary composition, thermic effect of food, or adaptive thermogenesis.
  • Accuracy may decrease for individuals with very low or very high body fat percentages.

Using Your Results

  • For weight loss: Aim for a moderate calorie deficit (usually 250-500 kcal/day below TEE)
  • For weight maintenance: Consume calories close to your calculated TEE
  • For weight gain: Create a moderate calorie surplus (usually 300-500 kcal/day above TEE)

Always combine calorie management with a balanced diet and regular physical activity for optimal health.

A Word of Caution

While this calculator provides valuable insights, remember that everyone's body is unique. Your energy needs may differ from the estimates provided. Use this tool as a starting point, and adjust your calorie intake based on your body's response over time.

This calculator is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any health concerns or are planning significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Start your calculation now and gain deeper insights into your energy needs!

We value your feedback! Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions to improve our calculator.

References:

  1. Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;51(2):241-247. doi:10.1093/ajcn/51.2.241
  2. Roza AM, Shizgal HM. The Harris Benedict equation reevaluated: resting energy requirements and the body cell mass. Am J Clin Nutr. 1984;40(1):168-182. doi:10.1093/ajcn/40.1.168
  3. Frankenfield D, Roth-Yousey L, Compher C. Comparison of predictive equations for resting metabolic rate in healthy nonobese and obese adults: a systematic review. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105(5):775-789. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2005.02.005
  4. Human energy requirements: report of a joint FAO/ WHO/UNU Expert Consultation. Food Nutr Bull. 2005;26(1):166.
  5. Müller MJ, Bosy-Westphal A, Klaus S, et al. World Health Organization equations have shortcomings for predicting resting energy expenditure in persons from a modern, affluent population: generation of a new reference standard from a retrospective analysis of a German database of resting energy expenditure. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;80(5):1379-1390. doi:10.1093/ajcn/80.5.1379