We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Numbers

mrmichaelbahr
mrmichaelbahr Posts: 2 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
How do you calculate how much calories you are burning just doing nothing?

Replies

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,334 Member
    BMR (basal metabolic rate) or RMR (resting metabolic rate) calculator will give you an estimate.

    MFP has one of those here: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/tools/bmr-calculator

    To get an accurate, personalized point-in-time measurement, you need to go to a metabolic/sports lab ($$$) and be hooked up to machines that measure gases you exhale, or variations on that theme.

    The scales that claim to give a BMR number (or the gym devices you stand on, hold handles, among other types) are also estimates.

    It's a meaningless number for most people, though - even doing basic daily stuff (toothbrushing, eating, dressing, etc.) burns calories on top of BMR/RMR.

    What are hoping to get from knowing this number?
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Why do you want to though?

    It's not really a useful number on its own unless you are in a hospital setting!
  • wilson10102018
    wilson10102018 Posts: 1,306 Member
    Is the basis for your calorie consumption. BMR + your personal activity level (people have different activity levels) supposedly give you your calorie consumption.

Categories