Why are the calories burned on MFP so off??

jenniferanderson3888

I weigh 194 and am 5 foot. 45 year old female. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and MFP says I burned 400. Not possible. Does anyone see the MFP is way off when estimating calories burned?

Machka9

I chose the low/light/slow options when I log exercise on MFP. Do you?

I_am_the_Cosmos

I always underestimate them and enter them manually. I think the assumption is that you are optimally 6'5" and 300 pounds and running at a 7.9 pace on a treadmill.

Also, I'm 5'6 and about 205 lbs and I fully understand what you mean. I also underestimate the treadmill, elliptical and other exercises as well.

RelCanonical

It's estimating pace and resistance, and it's impossible to know what pace and resistance it is when it just says "elliptical trainer". Generally, I've found MFP to be accurate if the entry is detailed enough (e.g. walking, 2.5mph, no incline, or something like that). It does adjust for your height and weight, and it slowly decreases as I've lost weight.

CharlieCharlie007

I have come to the conclusion that any number MFP gives you. reduce by 35%. That is pretty close to actual burn. The elliptical, I burn 36 cals every 5 min. So, 180. A much better option is the stair master.