Calorie Discrepancies

paulperini
paulperini Posts: 3 Member
edited November 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Why would Garmin Connect show I burned 526 calories and MFP says I only burned 235 calories?? This is a pretty big difference. Any Answers or help appreciated.
Paul

Replies

  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    paulperini wrote: »
    Why would Garmin Connect show I burned 526 calories and MFP says I only burned 235 calories?? This is a pretty big difference. Any Answers or help appreciated.
    Paul

    Since you're actually wearing the Garmin device, I would go with that number first since MFP's info is more of a swag or generalization and is not based on YOUR actual activity.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    What exercise is this for?
  • giantrobot_powerlifting
    giantrobot_powerlifting Posts: 2,598 Member
    edited November 2015
    It's all estimates, even the amount of a calories per serving.

    I always underestimate calorie burn and overestimate calories consumed if I'm faced a discrepancy. I include calories burned via TDEE.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    paulperini wrote: »
    Why would Garmin Connect show I burned 526 calories and MFP says I only burned 235 calories?? This is a pretty big difference. Any Answers or help appreciated.
    Paul

    Both are just estimating cals burned based on a set formula. The garmin probably takes into account movement (if it's an activity tracker) and/or HR (if it's an HRM)... MFP uses, uh, I have no idea what.

    It's hard to say which is going to be more accurate. IMO, the best option is to use one method consistently, then adjust things slowly over time until you find your sweet spot.
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    If it is a Garmin cycling computer and you weren't wearing a HRM chest strap, the number will be super inflated.
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