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Nets and totals

thielke2015
thielke2015 Posts: 212 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
What is the difference? Nets say I am under by a fair amount. Totals say I am over

Replies

  • Iwantahealthierme30
    Iwantahealthierme30 Posts: 293 Member
    Net is what you've taken in when subtracting exercise calories
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Net is what your body has left to use after your activity calories are subtracted.

    Let's say MFP calculates I need 1,460 calories a day to lose weight and safely fuel my basic needs. I eat 1,460, but then do additional exercise that burns 200 calories. MFP didn't "know" that I was going to do exercise, so they didn't include that in my initial goal. My body now has to meet 1,460 worth of needs with just 1,260 calories, my net.

    Over one day, no big deal. Over time, this can lead to low energy and hunger. If my net is low enough, it will result in unnecessary muscle loss and even potential health problems. That's why considering your net and not just your total, is a good idea.
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