Main Methods of Calculating TDEE

Harris-Benedict Equation

The Harris-Benedict Equation is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for estimating TDEE. It takes into account your sex, age, weight, and height to calculate your BMR. Once your BMR is determined, it is then multiplied by an activity factor that corresponds to your level of physical activity.

Mifflin-St. Jeor Equation

The Mifflin-St. Jeor Equation is a more recent and accurate method for estimating TDEE. It also considers your sex, age, weight, and height to calculate your BMR. Like the Harris-Benedict Equation, it incorporates an activity factor to determine TDEE based on your physical activity level.

Katch-McArdle Equation

The Katch-McArdle Equation is different from the previous two methods as it takes into account your lean body mass (LBM) instead of weight. LBM refers to your body weight excluding the amount of body fat. This equation uses your LBM and a constant to calculate your BMR. Once the BMR is determined, you can multiply it by an activity factor to estimate your TDEE.

It’s important to note that while these equations provide estimates of TDEE, individual variations exist, and factors such as genetics, muscle mass, and metabolism can affect the accuracy of these calculations. Additionally, these equations do not account for certain factors like specific medical conditions or variations in metabolic rate among individuals. Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can provide more accurate and personalized assessments of your TDEE.