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!

MFP Exercise Calories v Real Exercise Calories

mikeyml
mikeyml Posts: 568 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey all, I have a question about the accuracy of MFP exercise calories. I've read that MFP exaggerates the amount of calories burned from exercise but I was wondering if anyone knows how badly it does this. I don't have a HRM at the moment and I don't know when I will be able to pick one up so I am completely relying on MFP right now. Should I reduce the calories burned according to MFP by 5%, 10%, more? Or should I just forget about it because the difference is negligible?

Replies

  • kac7700
    kac7700 Posts: 125 Member
    I've found MFP is lower then my HRM says. I always have to input the correct amount, but it's not THAT far off. I would trust it.
  • punkrawkcutie
    punkrawkcutie Posts: 439 Member
    It seems to depend on the person and the exercise. I found for me, it was under what my HRM was telling me. For others I hear it's way over...
  • ChubbieTubbie
    ChubbieTubbie Posts: 481 Member
    It varies a lot person to person. I find that it's within 5-10 calories in comparison to my HRM.
  • spacecase76
    spacecase76 Posts: 673 Member
    for me, it is a little under
  • AndriaLL
    AndriaLL Posts: 162
    It's really hard to say as it tends to UNDER estimate mine for some exercises and OVER for others. For example, I use the elliptical trainer a lot. MFP doesn't ask what settings for crossramp or resistance you used, or even how fast you're going on it. I tend to set it high and work out as hard as I can. Although my thyroid is underactive, I still burn about 20% MORE than MFP tells me I am when I use my HRM. On the other hand, when I ride my TT bike at a pace of 18 mph, I have to enter it as 12 mph to be even close to accurate to the calories burned because the thing is so aerodynamic I don't have to work very hard to go that speed. Until you're able to tell how many you've burned by how you feel, a HRM is really necessary.
  • garrett3452
    garrett3452 Posts: 1 Member
    It is very close to the same. MFP is about 5 under from what I have seen
  • mikeyml
    mikeyml Posts: 568 Member
    Awesome news! Thank you everyone. I had the impression that it was quoting way over the amount really burned but it seems like everyone is saying the opposite. I guess I will just trust what MFP says until I can get a HRM to see for myself. Thanks again!
  • dewoods
    dewoods Posts: 148
    Hey all, I have a question about the accuracy of MFP exercise calories. I've read that MFP exaggerates the amount of calories burned from exercise but I was wondering if anyone knows how badly it does this. I don't have a HRM at the moment and I don't know when I will be able to pick one up so I am completely relying on MFP right now. Should I reduce the calories burned according to MFP by 5%, 10%, more? Or should I just forget about it because the difference is negligible?

    Here is a topic I posted on this. Hope it helps.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/149609-hrm-resting-calories-exercise-calories-real-calories-bu
  • mikeyml
    mikeyml Posts: 568 Member
    Thanks for the link Dave! That's pretty interesting. So basically whether I use MFP or HRM calories burned it is still technically wrong unless I subtract BMR calories. I might join you in not eating my exercise calories until I'm ready to maintain because otherwise I might be eating too much.
  • dewoods
    dewoods Posts: 148
    Thanks for the link Dave! That's pretty interesting. So basically whether I use MFP or HRM calories burned it is still technically wrong unless I subtract BMR calories. I might join you in not eating my exercise calories until I'm ready to maintain because otherwise I might be eating too much.

    Mike, just don't eat them all is kind of my theory as everything is an estimate.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories