BMR & TDEE too close?

TheAmericanJedi

Im helping a friend lost about 4lbs she's wanting to lose. Hee BMR is a little over 1400. And her TDEE is about 1965 with 3 days of exercise per week. How many calories should she be taking in per day to lose 1lb per week. Because I know you need a 500 caloric deficit a day to lose 1lb per week. But she needs at least a little over 1400 for her BMR. All advice is welcome!

KylaDenay

Can your friend join MFP and use the site to lose and stay on track? Also with only 4 lbs left to lose your friend should only be aiming for a .5 lb a week loss. Here is a link to help you out.

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

and for tdee calculator

http://iifym.com/iifym-calculator/

http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/

Those calculators will actually tell you how many calories your friend should eat.

MinnieInMaine

Agreed...1/2 pound per week is much more realistic for someone with very little to lose. That's a 250 cal deficit per day so 1715 per day

Normally when using the TDEE method, you would take a percentage and for those with so little to lose, a 10% deficit is best That brings us to 1768 per day.

If it was me, I'd play it safe and go with 1700, that way she's got a bit of wiggle room.

Good for you for helping your friend!

stealthq

Agreed, 0.5 lbs / wk or a TDEE - 10% is more reasonable at her current weight and goal.

But, losing 1 lb / wk won't really cause her a problem. It'll be a bit harder to stick to, and it's not necessary, but it won't hurt her health or her weight loss if that's what she wants to do. She does need to be prepared that as she loses the weight, that deficit WILL get smaller so she'll need to adjust her loss expectations as she gets closer to goal.

And to answer your question, to lose 1 lb / wk, 1965 - 500 = 1465.