BMR?

Myamya123

So im confused about the BMR mine is 1556. I am 23 and 5'7 at 162lbs. However MFP is telling me to eat 1400 cals a day to loose 1 lb a week? Then another place i see not to eat under your BMR sooo im really confused if someone could clarify please? Thanks

Ready2Rock206

MFP is telling you to eat 1400 PLUS exercise calories. Won't take much exercise to get above 1556. Or you can pick a less aggressive goal and only do 1/2 lb a week.

Phoenix_Warrior

Well, these are all simple calculators that can't account for a plethora of variables that can effect what your true BMR is. I'm 5'5" and lose netting an intake of 1550 but that took awhile playing with numbers. I would personally pick the higher number, make sure you are weighing and measuring your food and give it a few weeks to see. Also, this may help you get started, it certainly made a world of difference for me


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants 

prattiger65

Well, these are all simple calculators that can't account for a plethora of variables that can effect what your true BMR is. I'm 5'5" and lose netting an intake of 1550 but that took awhile playing with numbers. I would personally pick the higher number, make sure you are weighing and measuring your food and give it a few weeks to see. Also, this may help you get started, it certainly made a world of difference for me


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants 

OP, read that link!

Mr_Knight

So im confused about the BMR mine is 1556. I am 23 and 5'7 at 162lbs.

First things first - that BMR implies you're already at 25% body fat. Given you are trying lose a reasonable amount of weight, that seems unlikely. If instead we assume that you need to lose 16 pounds of fat, your BMR starting point will be more like 1400.

jillmcafee

Ready2Rock is correct. The article you read is correct as well - you should never eat below your BMR. Your BMR is the number of calories you need to keep your heart beating, kidneys working, etc. If you consistently eat below your BMR, you will start losing muscle mass, which of course you don't want. The general consensus is, if you are sedentary, your daily calories should be your BMR times 1.2.

Take your MyFitnessPal daily calories, multiply by 7 to get calories for the week, and add your estimated exercise calories for the week. Divide that by 7 to get your average calories per day over a week. If this does not exceed your BMR, adjust your daily calories in your settings.

Mr_Knight

There is nothing magical about BMR. If you have enough fat reserves to draw on - i.e., you need to lose a fair bit of weight - it is perfectly safe to go below BMR.