Why did the app drop my base calories by 290 after a 3 lb increase?

four_bumblebees
four_bumblebees Posts: 232 Member
in Food and Nutrition

I'm just coming off a planned maintenance break and getting back into a deficit. Previously, my base calories were 1490 with a rate of 1.5 lbs lost per week. (I have a medical reason for aiming for a higher rate, please don't come after me lol.) I maintained for 5 weeks at about 2500 calories on average. Yesterday I updated my weight which was 3 lbs MORE than at the end of my cut, and I set it back to 1.5 lbs loss per week. It dropped me to 1200 base calories instead of 1490. Anyone know why that might be? I will aim for 1750 Cal on average unless data shows me that's no longer appropriate, but I'd love accuracy on the app if I can get it. TIA!

Replies

  • sollyn23l2
    sollyn23l2 Posts: 2,151 Member

    It's possible that when you updated your weight, somehow your activity level (sedentary, lightly active, or active) got switched, which would change your calorie goal. Check your activity settings and make sure it's right for you.

  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 7,330 Member

    I think MFP has changed their formula for calculating the calorie goal. A change several months ago caused an increase in the calorie goal of several hundred calories, but having played with my settings recently, I think they have adjusted downwards again.

    And as stated above, it's a good idea to check if your settings are still all the same, sometimes they change randomly.

  • four_bumblebees
    four_bumblebees Posts: 232 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48658499#Comment_48658499

    Activity settings are still the same, ty tho!

  • four_bumblebees
    four_bumblebees Posts: 232 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48658518#Comment_48658518

    Ahh I'll bet this is it. All settings are otherwise still the same. Ty!

  • rockyhi512
    rockyhi512 Posts: 51 Member

    1750 calories is a great number to take in. I have been doing around 1600 give or take 100 and am successfully losing at least 1 lb per week. If I let MFP decide for me it too would suggest 1200. I could not sustain that because I like meals. I have lost 48 lbs since feb 1, 2025 and have another 25 to go to reach about 175. By having a higher calorie count I do not feel deprived. I use MFP as a way to keep track of how much I am eating. You do you. As long as you are losing at the rate you want then all is good.

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